suss

[ suhs ]

verb (used with object)

1. Chiefly British Slang. to investigate or figure out (usually followed by out ).

suss

/ sʌs /

verb

1. often foll by out to attempt to work out (a situation, person's character, etc), esp using one's intuition
2. Alsosus to become aware of; suspect (esp in the phrase suss it )

noun

1. sharpness of mind; social astuteness

Word History and Origins

Origin of suss¹

First recorded in 1965–70; earlier, to suspect, a suspect, shortening of suspect

Word History and Origins

Origin of suss¹

C20: shortened from suspect

Example Sentences

Other social media sleuths tried to suss out which companies did and did not involve themselves in political donations, sometimes leading to confusion and controversy.

From Slate

They sequenced the DNA of 219 hazelnuts to suss out how the trees related to one another.

From Science Magazine

He wasn’t going to send me to the game, but wanted me to suss out the vibes in the city.

From Los Angeles Times

The implication isn't hard to suss out: if women use our enfranchisement to vote for our rights, then we're somehow "abusing" our right to vote.

From Salon

I’ll be buying a CD in a shop and we’ll just look over at each other, suss each other out, and start chatting as if we've known each other for years.

From BBC