What does cussword mean?
A cussword is a word regarded as profane, obscene, or insulting, particularly one spoken in anger or frustration. The term is informal and is used most often in North American English, although speakers of British English also understand and occasionally use it. As a metalinguistic label, “cussword” is generally neutral: a discussion or report can refer to a cussword without quoting the language itself. The specific connotations depend on the word described. A mild cussword may be considered merely rude, while a strong one may be openly vulgar, insulting, or blasphemous. Cusswords are also common in jokes, arguments, comic dialogue, and informal storytelling, where they can express humor or emotional intensity as well as anger. The compound is especially transparent because “cuss” is itself associated with cursing, making “cussword” essentially a word used to curse. It can therefore be used in ordinary conversation, editorial discussion, and linguistic analysis, though it should be handled with tact when describing seriously offensive language.
nounA word considered profane, obscene, or insulting, especially one used to express anger or frustration.
- A profane, obscene, or insulting word, especially one used to express anger or frustration.
"At the dropped wrench, he muttered a cussword that startled the birds."
"At the dropped wrench, he muttered a cussword that startled the birds."
"The editor removed the cussword from the broadcast before the program aired."
The plural is used when referring to multiple profane, insulting, or taboo words.
"The script is full of cusswords that the director wanted removed."
A swear word with a swear word built into its name: cussword literally means a word used to curse.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does cussword come from?
Cussword is an English compound formed by joining the word “cuss” with “word.” “Cuss” is a chiefly American alteration of “curse” and is especially associated with swearing or cursing. The compound thus reiterates the basic sense of a word employed to curse, swear, or express abuse.
How cussword is actually used
Informal and chiefly North American. The word is usually a neutral label for taboo language, although quoting or repeating a cussword reproduces the offensive language it names.
Easily confused with cussword
A cussword is specifically a profane or insulting word, whereas a curse is an expression of anger, an invocation of misfortune, or the act of wishing harm upon someone.