cuss
cuss — verb
- cusspresent simple I / you / we / they
- cusseshe / she / it
- cussedpast simple
- cussing-ing form
1. to use rude or offensive language, especially when you are feeling angry, annoye
to use rude or offensive language, especially when you are feeling angry, annoyed, or frustrated
Constanza hit her thumb and began to cuss loudly in the garage.
intransitive: cuss + adverb of manner
Eshe heard someone cussing at the referee from the back row of the stadium.
pattern: cuss at + person
Romi's grandfather told her it was rude to cuss, even when she felt very angry.
Selim could hear a man cussing angrily through the thin wall of the hotel room.
The coach warned the players not to cuss at the umpire during the championship match.
文法句型
cuss
cuss at + person
用法筆記
More common in American English than British English. The equivalent in more formal writing is 'swear' or 'curse'.
常見錯誤
cuss — noun
- cusssingular
- cussesplural
1. an informal word for a person who is annoying, unpleasant, or difficult to deal
an informal word for a person who is annoying, unpleasant, or difficult to deal with
The new manager is an awkward cuss who never listens to anyone on the team.
pattern: awkward cuss
Constanza called her neighbour a mean cuss after he complained about the party noise.
Romi said the shopkeeper was a miserable cuss who shouted at children.
Nobody wanted to sit near Harry on the bus because he was a grumpy cuss.
文法句型
[adjective] cuss
用法筆記
Always used with an adjective that describes the person's negative trait (awkward, mean, grumpy, miserable, stubborn). Rarely used alone without a modifier.
常見錯誤
2. a rude or offensive word that people say when they are angry, surprised, or anno
a rude or offensive word that people say when they are angry, surprised, or annoyed
Selim accidentally let out a cuss when he dropped the heavy box on his foot.
let out a cuss
The teacher told the students not to use any cuss words during their class presentation.
collocation: cuss word
Eshe was shocked to hear a cuss slip out when she stubbed her toe.
The film had so many cuss words that parents asked for a refund.
- swear word
the most common equivalent, neutral in register
- curse word
slightly more formal, more common in American English
- profanity
formal and covers all offensive religious or vulgar language
文法句型
cuss word
use a cuss
用法筆記
Often used in the phrase 'cuss word' as a direct synonym for 'swear word'. Less strong in tone than 'obscenity' or 'profanity'.
常見錯誤
3. an informal word used to refer to a man or boy, often with an adjective describi
an informal word used to refer to a man or boy, often with an adjective describing his character
The old fisherman was a tough cuss who had survived three shipwrecks.
pattern: tough old cuss
Constanza's uncle is a funny old cuss who tells jokes at every family dinner.
pattern: funny old cuss
Selim said the farmer was a friendly cuss who gave free apples to children.
The old man with the walking stick is a cheerful cuss who waves at passers-by.
文法句型
[adjective] old cuss
[adjective] cuss
用法筆記
This sense is not necessarily negative — the adjective can be neutral or even affectionate (e.g. 'funny old cuss'). It is less common than sense 1 and sounds slightly old-fashioned.