cuss
Medium-LowInformal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
To swear or use profane language.
To curse someone or something; also used as a noun for a person, often in a mildly derogatory but sometimes endearing way (e.g., 'a tough old cuss').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a phonetic alteration of 'curse'. It is chiefly used in informal contexts and often implies mild to moderate profanity, not the most extreme forms. As a noun for a person, it suggests someone with a particular, often stubborn, character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties but is considered more informal and perhaps slightly more characteristic of American English.
Connotations
In both, it carries the same informal, sometimes rustic or folksy connotation. It's less severe than 'curse' as a verb.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, especially in spoken, informal registers. In British English, 'swear' is more common for the verb.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] to cuss (intransitive)[verb] to cuss (at someone)[verb] to cuss someone out (phrasal verb)[noun] a [adjective] cussVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cuss like a sailor”
- “not give a cuss (variant of 'not give a toss/curse')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Highly inappropriate; would be considered unprofessional.
Academic
Not used; completely inappropriate for formal writing.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation among friends or family, often with humorous or mild exasperation.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He stubbed his toe and started to cuss quietly.
- Don't cuss in front of the children.
American English
- He got so mad he cussed out the referee.
- She cusses a bit when she's fixing her car.
adverb
British English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- It was a cuss-filled rant.
- He's in a right cuss mood today.
American English
- He let out a cuss word by accident.
- It was a cussing match between the two drivers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child learned a cuss word at school.
- My granddad doesn't like it when people cuss.
- I heard him cussing after he dropped his phone.
- She's a lovely but stubborn old cuss.
- The coach was fined for cussing at the officials during the match.
- He's an independent cuss who doesn't like being told what to do.
- Their argument degenerated into a volley of creatively cuss-laden insults.
- The film's dialogue was peppered with the kind of inventive cussing that defines the director's gritty style.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'cuss' as a shorter, snappier cousin of 'curse'. Both start with 'c' and end with the 's' sound of swearing.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROFANITY IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'cuss someone out'), A PERSON IS A CHARACTERISTIC OBJECT ('an odd cuss').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'кус' (a piece/bite). The meaning is entirely different.
- The noun form ('an old cuss') has no direct one-word equivalent in Russian; requires a paraphrase like 'странный тип' or 'упрямец'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it as a synonym for all types of 'criticize'—it specifically involves profanity.
- Spelling it as 'cus' or 'cuz'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'cuss' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The word 'cuss' itself is not a profanity, but it refers to the use of profane language. It is an informal term.
'Cuss' is an informal, chiefly spoken variant of 'curse'. 'Curse' can also mean to invoke evil upon someone or a cause of harm, which 'cuss' does not. 'Cuss' is specifically about swearing.
Yes, but rarely and informally. The primary noun use is for a swear word itself (e.g., 'He used a few cusses I hadn't heard before').
Yes, especially in American English, it's a very common, mild way to refer to a swear word, often used when speaking to or about children.