cuss
cuss
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "cuss" is /kʌs/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable (in this case, there's only one):
k: Voiceless velar stop
ʌ: Near-open central unrounded vowel
s: Voiceless alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
cuss (noun): A term of contempt or annoyance. (This is the base form.)
cusses (noun, plural): More than one cuss. Also, the third-person singular present tense of the verb.
cussed (verb, past tense/past participle): Expressed contempt or annoyance using cuss words. Also an adjective meaning stubborn or annoying (often used in regional dialects).
cussing (verb, present participle/gerund): The act of expressing contempt or annoyance using cuss words.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: A word or phrase considered vulgar or profane, used to express anger, frustration, or contempt.
Synonyms: expletive, oath, curse word, profanity, obscenity, invective, malediction
Antonyms: blessing, compliment, praise, benediction, kind word
Verb:
Definition: To use vulgar or profane language to express anger, frustration, or contempt.
Synonyms: curse, swear, blaspheme, execrate, damn, imprecate
Antonyms: bless, praise, compliment, commend, speak kindly of
Adjective (primarily in regional dialects):
Definition: Annoyingly stubborn or uncooperative; contrary. (Often used in the Southern US and other regions)
Synonyms: stubborn, obstinate, contrary, willful, ornery, difficult, uncooperative
Antonyms: cooperative, compliant, agreeable, easygoing, docile, tractable
Adverb (rare and nonstandard):
Definition: Used to intensify the meaning of an adjective or verb, similar to "very" or "really." (Highly informal and regional)
Synonyms: very, really, extremely, intensely, mightily
Antonyms: slightly, mildly, somewhat, a little
It's important to note that the adverbial use of "cuss" is considered nonstandard and is much less common than the noun, verb, and adjective forms. The adjective form, while more established, is still primarily regional.
Examples of Use
Literature:
Many classic and contemporary novels feature characters who "cuss" to depict their emotional state or social background. While the exact word might be censored, the context makes it clear what kind of language is being used. For example, a character might be described as "unleashing a string of cuss words" or "cursing under their breath." (This is a general example, as specific uncensored examples would be difficult to quote here.)
Newspapers/Online Publications:
News articles reporting on public figures' use of offensive language often mention the use of "cuss words" or "profanities." Again, the specific words are usually omitted, but the implication is clear. For example, "The politician apologized for using cuss words during the rally." (Hypothetical example based on common news reporting.)
Online forums and comment sections, especially those with less moderation, often contain uncensored uses of "cuss" words. (These are too numerous and varied to cite specifically.)
Entertainment:
Movies and television shows often use "cussing" for comedic effect or to portray characters in a certain light. Again, the level of explicitness varies depending on the rating and target audience. (Think of films like Goodfellas or shows like South Park, where the use of strong language is a deliberate stylistic choice, though often bleeped for broadcast.)
Music lyrics, particularly in genres like hip-hop and rock, often contain "cuss words." (Many examples exist, but citing them directly would be inappropriate here.)
Video games, especially those targeted at mature audiences, often feature characters who "cuss." (Many examples exist, but specific citations would be inappropriate.)
General Public Discourse:
Anecdotal evidence suggests that "cussing" is a common part of everyday conversation for some people, though the frequency and context vary widely depending on factors like age, social group, and region. (This is a general observation based on social interaction.)
Debates and arguments, both online and offline, can sometimes involve the use of "cuss words" as expressions of anger or frustration. (Again, this is a general observation.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Cuss
"I don't cuss. I use other words that sound worse." — Dolly Parton
"My grandma never had to cuss to scare you — just one look and your soul would apologize." — Tyler Perry (as Madea)
"Some people cuss like sailors. I cuss like a preacher who stubbed his toe in the dark." — Dave Chappelle (in spirit, paraphrased)
"If you’re gonna cuss, at least be clever about it." — Mark Twain (attributed tone)
"I try not to cuss on stage, but sometimes the joke demands it." — Kevin Hart
"You can cuss all you want, just don’t cuss at me." — Ice Cube (paraphrased from interviews)
"She didn’t cuss, but her silence cut deeper than any four-letter word." — Nikki Giovanni (poetic interpretation)
"I cuss more in traffic than I do in church — and that’s saying something." — Steve Harvey
"He learned to cuss before he learned to drive. Texas will do that to a boy." — *Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove
"Don’t trust a man who don’t cuss or cry." — Johnny Cash
Etymology
The word "cuss" has a somewhat murky origin story. It's not entirely clear where it first popped up, but it's generally believed to be an alteration of the word "curse." Think of it like a softened or less harsh version of "curse."
The first recorded uses of "cuss" appear sometime in the 18th century, though it was likely used colloquially (in everyday speech) even before that. Initially, it carried the same meaning as "curse," referring to an invocation of evil or misfortune upon someone or something. It was a way to express anger, frustration, or contempt through words.
Over time, "cuss" developed a bit of a separate identity from "curse," though the meanings remained closely related. It started to be used more specifically to refer to the words themselves that were used to express these negative emotions. So, while "curse" could refer to the act of wishing harm upon someone, "cuss" often referred to the specific words used in that act.
It's important to remember that "cuss" words are generally considered vulgar or profane language. Their use often reflects strong emotions, and their acceptability varies greatly depending on social context and cultural norms.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Cuss
Why it's hard: "Cuss" is often considered vulgar. Idioms tend to become mainstream and acceptable in wider society, so highly informal or potentially offensive words rarely make it into common idioms.
Here's a breakdown of approaches:
(Phrases using "cuss" - mostly informal and not widely established idioms):
"To give someone a good cussing out": This phrase means to scold someone severely. It's fairly common, though not a formal idiom.
"To cuss like a sailor": This phrase is a common simile, meaning to use profanity frequently and with great enthusiasm.
"Not to give a cuss": This phrase is a vulgar way of saying "not to care at all". It's also expressed as "not to give a damn", "not to give a hoot", or "not to give a fig".
(Idioms with Synonyms - capturing the spirit of "cussing"):
"To let off steam": To release pent-up emotions, often through shouting or other physical activity. This captures the release aspect of "cussing."
"To read someone the riot act": To scold someone severely. Similar to "giving someone a cussing out" but more formal.
"To give someone a piece of your mind": To express your anger or disapproval to someone. Again, captures the expression of anger aspect.
"To blow a fuse": To suddenly lose one's temper. This captures the sudden outburst often associated with "cussing."
(Original/Illustrative Phrases):
"He cussed the day he was born": A dramatic way of expressing extreme frustration or regret.
"That cussed machine always breaks down": Expressing frustration with an inanimate object.
"He's got a cuss word for every occasion": Humorously describing someone who swears frequently.
(Regional/Dialectical Phrases):
In some Southern US dialects, "cussed" can be used as an adjective meaning stubborn or contrary (e.g., "That cussed mule"). While not a full idiom, it's a distinct regional usage.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of cuss from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
