Sus - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

suspicious behavior

The term 'sus' is a slang abbreviation of 'suspicious' and is often used to describe someone or something that seems untrustworthy or questionable. It gained prominence in internet culture and gaming, particularly in relation to the game 'Among Us', where players use the term to accuse others of deception.

Synonyms

doubtful, sketchy, suspicious.

Examples of usage

That looks kinda sus to me.
He's acting a bit sus lately.
I think she's being really sus.
Don't be sus when you're trying to talk to her.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

'Sus' exploded in popularity with the release of 'Among Us', a game where players must identify the imposter.
It has since permeated various social media platforms, with memes and videos using 'sus' to denote shady behavior.

Psychology

Using 'sus' often reflects an instinctive distrust, urging players and viewers to analyze behaviors and motives.
The quick labeling of someone as 'sus' can simplify complex social judgments, often leading to group dynamics decisions.

Linguistic Evolution

The transition of 'sus' from an abbreviation to a standalone term illustrates how language evolves in digital communication.
It showcases the tendency of youth culture to condense language for faster communication on social media.

Sociolinguistics

'Sus' reflects key themes in group identity and in-group vs. out-group dynamics, particularly in gaming communities.
The word's usage can vary widely in meaning depending on audience context, often straddling humor and seriousness.

Origin of 'sus'

Main points about word origin

The term 'sus' is short for 'suspicious' and became popular in late 2010s slang.
It gained widespread usage through online gaming and streaming, particularly in the game 'Among Us'.

The word 'sus' is derived from the word 'suspicious', which has its roots in the Latin word 'suspiciosus', meaning 'suspecting' or 'suspicious'. The term gained popularity in the early 2000s as part of urban slang and has been widely adopted in online communities, especially among gamers. It became particularly notable in 2018 when it was frequently used in conversations about the game 'Among Us', where players must identify an imposter among the crew. The game's popularity on platforms like Twitch and YouTube helped cement 'sus' into everyday language, making it a staple in discussions about trust and deceit in various contexts. The term reflects a cultural shift towards a more informal, digital communication style that emphasizes rapid exchanges and meme culture.

Sus Meaning: Definition and Examples