Cussed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cussed

[kสŒst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Cussed is the past tense of cuss, which means to curse or use profane language. It refers to the act of speaking in an offensive manner or using swear words, usually in frustration or anger.

Synonyms

cursed, insulted, swore.

Examples of usage

  • He cussed at the referee after the bad call.
  • She cussed when she stubbed her toe.
  • They cussed loudly during the intense game.
  • He always cussed when things went wrong.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the famous film 'A Christmas Story,' the protagonist uses 'cussed' humorously to describe the swearing of adults around him.
  • Television shows often portray 'cussed' characters as rebellious or comedic, adding a layer of humor to their dialogue.
  • The term has appeared in music lyrics, often used to convey frustration or emotional distress.

Psychology

  • Using strong language, like 'cussed,' can serve as a coping mechanism for expressing intense emotions and can even relieve pain.
  • Studies suggest that swearing can increase tolerance to discomfort, providing a sense of control in stressful situations.
  • People might use cursing to bond with others or express solidarity during shared experiences.

Linguistics

  • The act of cursing reflects the flexibility of language and how it evolves in informal settings.
  • Insults and cursing often utilize metaphors, showcasing creative language use in emotional contexts.
  • In sociolinguistics, the use of 'cussed' may vary across cultures and is influenced by social norms surrounding acceptable speech.

History

  • Historically, 'cussing' was often frowned upon in public discourse, seen as a sign of lower social status or education.
  • Various cultures have developed their own forms of cursing, illustrating differing attitudes towards profanity and its social implications.
  • The formalization of 'cuss' as slang showcases the ongoing evolution of language in response to societal changes.

Origin of 'cussed'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Cussed' is a variant of the word 'cursed,' which originally comes from the Middle English 'curssen.'
  • In some contexts, 'cussed' is used as an adjective meaning 'annoying' or 'bad,' evolving from its connections with swearing.
  • The word has ties to various dialects in English, particularly in regions like the American South.

The word 'cuss' is a colloquial contraction of 'curse', which dates back to the mid-19th century in American English. Its origins can be traced back to the Latin word 'currere', meaning 'to run', which eventually evolved through Old French 'curser' to indicate invoking harm or punishment upon someone. Originally, 'curse' referred to a spoken wish of harm or misfortune, often used in religious contexts. Over time, 'cuss' became popular in informal language as a way to describe swearing or using vulgar language without the more formal connotations of 'curse'. The informal usage has made 'cuss' a familiar term in spoken English, particularly in the United States, where it is often associated with expressing strong emotions or frustration.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,198, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.