cussing

[ kuhs-ing ]

noun

1. the act or practice of cursing or swearing:

   Keep the cussing to a minimum, as there are kids around.

2. the act of criticizing or reprimanding someone in harsh language (usually followed by out ):

   After three fouls, the player was pulled from the field and got a good cussing out from his coach.

adjective

1. cursing or swearing:

   A cussing parrot has landed a woman in court for allegedly teaching the bird to swear at her neighbor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cussing¹

First recorded in 1830–40; cuss ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun senses; cuss ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective sense

Example Sentences

“But that’ll die out if there’s no emotional current underneath. The cussing has context. As long as there is an emotional story underneath the bells and whistles of cussing, then that works.”

From Seattle Times

Neither is he known for casually cussing in private.

From Seattle Times

He calls himself a “young brat” who made a habit of cussing out his teachers and getting into fights.

From Los Angeles Times

I call him back and he just starts cussing me out.

From Los Angeles Times

During the nine minutes, Carter is heard cussing at other drivers to get out of the way and at a dispatcher for making a mistake.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bane
• expletive
• obscenity
• profanity
• whammy