Cussin’
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "cussin’" means swearing, using foul language, or speaking harshly. It’s the regional way of saying "cursing."
#SouthernWords #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern #Euphemisms
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'm not sure I ever heard anybody say anythin' but 'cussin’' all my life. I mean to describe what unhillbillies might call cursin'. But it's not necessarily just people. You may say 'well - 'at ol' cat was cussin' me when I took her food away.' Hillbilly Dude Says...
I'm not sure I ever heard anybody say anythin' but 'cussin’' all my life. I mean to describe what unhillbillies might call cursin'. But it's not necessarily just people. You may say 'well - 'at ol' cat was cussin' me when I took her food away.' Pronunciation
[KUH-sən]
Meaning & Usage
- To swear or use foul language (verb, informal)
Mama:
No cussin’ under my roof.
No cussin’ under my roof.- To fuss at or scold (verb, figurative)
Boss:
I spent all morning cussin’ at that broken tractor.
I spent all morning cussin’ at that broken tractor.variations: cursing, cussing
★ "Cussin’" can cover everything from light words like "dang" to the real strong stuff. Folks use it loosely, often depending on family standards. ★
Origin and Etymology
A variation of "curse," recorded in English since the 18th century. The "u" vowel and dropped "g" helped it stick in rural Southern and Appalachian dialects.
Usage Notes
Still widely used across the South and Appalachia. Often said in church warnings, family rules, or stories where "cussing" is frowned upon.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "cuss-in." The "g" is dropped, giving it a country sound.
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Cussing. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/cussing
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Cussing." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/cussing.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Cussing." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/cussing.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...