"Rude to" and "rude towards" are phrases that are often used interchangeably, and they both convey the idea of behaving in a disrespectful or impolite manner towards someone. However, there can be a subtle difference in how they are interpreted in certain contexts: Rude To: When you are "rude to" someone, it typically implies direct and explicit discourteous behavior or language directed at that person. Example: "She was rude to her colleague during the meeting by interrupting them repeatedly." Rude Towards: "Rude towards" can also imply disrespectful behavior, but it might not necessarily be as direct or explicit as being "rude to" someone. It can encompass a broader range of actions or attitudes that convey disrespect or incivility. Example: "He was rude towards his neighbors by consistently playing loud music late at night." In practice, the choice between "rude to" and "rude towards" often depends on the specific situation and the level of detail you want to convey. Both phrases convey the idea of lacking politeness or respect, but "rude towards" might capture a more generalized or ongoing behavior, while "rude to" suggests a more specific instance of impoliteness.

"Rude to" would be the one that sounds more natural in American English. Here "towards" is usually just used to describe movement. Perhaps in British English it might be more common to use "towards" in that fashion, but not here in the US.

It is the same as the difference between throwing a ball TO Bill and throwing a ball TOWARDS Bill, which is to say not much. The suffix “-ward” emphasizes direction. A ball thrown towards Bill has Bill as its actual destination. A ball thrown to him has Bill as its intended destination.