Wuss: meaning, definitions and examples

🐔

Add to dictionary

wuss

[wʌs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

informal

A person who is physically weak and timid.

Synonyms

chicken, coward, weakling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wuss	Primarily used in informal settings to describe someone who is perceived as timid or lacking courage. It is often used teasingly among friends. Don't be such a wuss, it's just a roller coaster. He didn't want to go into the haunted house; everybody called him a wuss.
coward	Used in more serious situations to describe someone who lacks bravery and is often seen as a strong criticism. It is inherently negative. He was called a coward for refusing to stand up to the bully. Running away from the battle, he was labeled a coward by his comrades.
weakling	Used to describe someone who is perceived as physically or mentally weak. This term can be considered derogatory and is often used in a demeaning way. Don't be a weakling—try to lift the weights! She felt like a weakling after failing to complete the hike.
chicken	Commonly used in a casual or mildly teasing manner to describe someone who is afraid to do something. It can be used both humorously and seriously. You're not going to jump off the high dive? Don't be a chicken! Everyone knows he won't try the new food—he's too much of a chicken.

Examples of usage

He's such a wuss, he's afraid of everything.
Don't be such a wuss, stand up for yourself.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

An insulting term for a man who is seen as weak or cowardly.

Synonyms

pansy, sissy, softy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wuss	Informal way to describe someone who is weak or lacks courage. Often used in a teasing manner. Don't be such a wuss about trying new foods. He chickened out of the jump; what a wuss!
pansy	Derogatory term used to describe someone perceived as weak or lacking bravery. Can be offensive. He backed out of the challenge, calling him a pansy.
sissy	Often used to belittle a male who is seen as not conforming to traditional masculine roles. Can be hurtful and offensive. Don't be such a sissy, it's just a small spider.
softy	More affectionate and non-threatening term for someone who is gentle, kind, or not harsh. He's a real softy when it comes to animals. She may seem tough, but she's a softy at heart.

Examples of usage

Don't be a wuss, man up and face your fears.
He's too much of a wuss to confront the bully.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'wuss' is believed to have originated from the 1980s, possibly from the word 'wussy,' which combines 'wimp' and 'pussy.'
Some sources suggest it could also derive from the phrase 'wuss out,' meaning to back down from a challenge.
It has been used in popular culture to describe people lacking in bravery or assertiveness.

Pop Culture

The word gained traction in the 1980s sitcoms and teen movies, emphasizing a lack of toughness in characters.
In music, bands have referenced the term to critique those who don't stand up for themselves, adding to its cultural significance.
Television shows often portray a 'wuss' character to create humor, highlighting their timidity compared to more daring friends.

Psychology

Using terms like 'wuss' can reflect societal pressures around masculinity, where the inability to act boldly is criticized.
People labeled as 'wuss' may experience feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem based on these perceptions.
The label can discourage healthy emotional expression, as individuals fear being judged for vulnerability.

Language Usage

'Wuss' is often used informally in conversation, making it a slang term that doesn’t typically appear in formal writing.
Different cultures may have their own slang terms for similar behaviors, indicating how language evolves around social norms.
In some contexts, 'wuss' can be used playfully among friends, showing that language can soften its impact based on relationships.

Literature

Writers often use character archetypes that embody 'wuss' traits to create relatable or comedic situations in stories.
The development of 'wuss' characters can prompt discussions about bravery and what it means to be courageous.
Many coming-of-age stories explore the growth of a 'wuss' character learning to face their fears.

Translations

Translations of the word "wuss" in other languages:

🇵🇹 covarde

🇮🇳 कायर

🇩🇪 Feigling

🇮🇩 pengecut

🇺🇦 боягуз

🇵🇱 tchórz

🇯🇵 臆病者 (おくびょうもの)

🇫🇷 lâche

🇪🇸 cobarde

🇹🇷 korkak

🇰🇷 겁쟁이 (geopjaengi)

🇸🇦 جبان

🇨🇿 zbabělec

🇸🇰 zbabelec

🇨🇳 胆小鬼 (dǎn xiǎo guǐ)

🇸🇮 strahopet

🇮🇸 heigull

🇰🇿 қорқақ

🇬🇪 ლაჩარი

🇦🇿 qorxaq

🇲🇽 cobarde

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,170, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
37167 curmudgeon
37168 agglomerating
37169 torpidity
37170 wuss
37171 yokel
37172 duffer
37173 sleuths
...