Meaning & Definition of word "Cuss"

Cuss

/kʌs/

noun:

  • 1. A curse or swear word.
    • Example: That film is filled with cusses that might offend some viewers.
  • 2. An expression of annoyance or frustration.
    • Example: His loud cuss when he lost the game surprised everyone.

verb:

  • 1. To curse; to use profanity or swear words.
    • Example: He tends to cuss when he gets frustrated.
  • 2. To express anger or annoyance in a verbal manner, often through the use of curse words.
    • Example: She started to cuss after hitting her toe on the table.
  • 3. To invoke a curse upon someone.
    • Example: In the old days, people believed that someone could cuss you with just their words.

Etymology

Contraction of 'curse'; believed to have originated in the 18th century.

Common Phrases and Expressions

cuss out:

To angrily scold or reprimand someone.

cuss like a sailor:

To use foul language frequently.

cuss up a storm:

To rant or complain using strong language.

Related Words

curse:

A wish of harm or injury to someone.

profanity:

Language that is disrespectful or obscene.

blasphemy:

Speaking negatively about sacred things.

Slang Meanings of cuss

Meaning: Cuss ball

Example Sentence: He's such a cuss ball for always complaining.

Meaning: Cussin' like a sailor

Example Sentence: After the game, he was cussin' like a sailor.