stutz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/ArchaicLiterary, dialectal (chiefly US, Appalachian/Southern), archaic. Not used in contemporary formal or standard speech.
Quick answer
What does “stutz” mean?
to stop or balk suddenly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to stop or balk suddenly; to hesitate or recoil, especially from fright or surprise.
A sudden, involuntary stop or hesitation; a moment of startled pause. Can imply a physical jerk back or a mental check.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is virtually unknown in modern British English. Its historical or dialectal use is almost exclusively American, particularly in Southern and Appalachian regions.
Connotations
In American dialectal use, it carries a rustic, old-fashioned, or colloquial tone. It might be used for deliberate archaic effect in storytelling.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher historical attestation in American sources.
Grammar
How to Use “stutz” in a Sentence
[Subject] stutzed.[Subject] stutzed at [object/event].The [animal] gave a stutz.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stutz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old mare stutzed for a moment before the unfamiliar gate.
American English
- He stutzed right on the trail when he heard the rattlesnake.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except perhaps in historical linguistics or studies of American dialects.
Everyday
Not used in standard contemporary English.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stutz”
- Using it in modern contexts.
- Confusing it with 'stutter' (to speak haltingly).
- Spelling as 'stutts' or 'stutze'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered rare and archaic. You will likely only encounter it in old regional (American) dialogue in literature.
Yes, though even rarer. e.g., 'The horse gave a little stutz before calming down.'
Both involve surprise, but 'startle' is the broader, standard term for a sudden fright. 'Stutz' specifically implies the reactive stopping or balking movement that follows being startled.
No. It is purely a word for recognition (passive vocabulary). Using it actively will sound odd or affected. Learn its synonyms (balk, recoil, shy) instead.
to stop or balk suddenly.
Stutz is usually literary, dialectal (chiefly us, appalachian/southern), archaic. not used in contemporary formal or standard speech. in register.
Stutz: in British English it is pronounced /stʌts/, and in American English it is pronounced /stʌts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a horse suddenly putting on the BRAKES with a 'STUT-UTS!' sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
FEAR/CAUTION IS A PHYSICAL BARRIER (one 'stutzes' as if hitting an invisible wall).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'stutz' be MOST appropriate?