Current:Home > InvestCharles Langston:What does 'sus' mean? Understanding the slang term's origins and usage. -FundPrime
Charles Langston:What does 'sus' mean? Understanding the slang term's origins and usage.
Chainkeen Exchange View
Date:2025-04-08 02:21:37
Was your lunch "mid?Charles Langston" Did someone try to "rizz" you up? Did see that meme because "ijbol." What do these phrases even mean, if anything?
Trying to keep up with every slang term and acronym used online can feel impossible. New terms seemingly pop up overnight, and each jumbled group of letters can look like gibberish.
Slang can be hard to understand, "iykyk." But don't worry, we've got you covered. Here is what "sus" stands for and how to use it in conversation.
What does 'sus' mean?
"Sus" is an abbreviated form of "suspicious" or "suspect," according to Merriam-Webster. It is used to call out someone or something with questionable or dishonest motives.
Though usage of "sus" can be traced back to the 1920s, the term became popular in the 2020s thanks to the multiplayer online game "Among Us", Merriam-Webster reports.
In the murder-mystery game, one player is the "imposter," and others try to figure out who they are. Players often use "sus" to describe others who are acting strange and could potentially be the imposter.
Beyond gameplay, "sus" can be used in various scenarios, such as to call out someone for lying or to describe a person's actions as suspicious or out-of-character.
Looking for more?'Bet', this annual list of slang terms could have some parents saying 'Yeet'
How to use 'sus'
Here's how to use "sus" in conversation:
- "That's kind of sus though."
- "Did you see what Ricky posted?" "Yeah, it was pretty sus imo."
- "How long has the chicken been in the fridge?" "Not sure, but it looks sus."
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Where do gnats come from?" to "Do AirPods work with Android?" to "How to make your Facebook private?" − we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.
Want to learn? Catch up on more text slang explainers:
- What does 'tfw' mean? What to know if you're unsure how to use the term when texting
- What does 'OOO' mean? Here's what it means and how to use it when you're away from work
- What does 'EOD' mean? Here's how to use the term to notify deadlines to your coworkers
- What does 'no cap' mean? Here's the definition of the slang term and how to use it
- What does 'WYLL' mean? Here's what the text slang stands for and how to use it
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Al Roker Makes Sunny Return to Today Show 3 Weeks After Knee Surgery
- Get $150 Worth of Clean Beauty Products for Just $36: Peter Thomas Roth, Elemis, Osea, and More
- American Climate Video: The Family Home Had Gone Untouched by Floodwaters for Over 80 Years, Until the Levee Breached
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- Analysts See Democrats Likely to Win the Senate, Opening the Door to Climate Legislation
- Woman allegedly shoots Uber driver, thinking he kidnapped her and was taking her to Mexico
- January Jones Looks Unrecognizable After Debuting a Dramatic Pixie Cut
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- More Renewable Energy for Less: Capacity Grew in 2016 as Costs Fell
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- The Best Memorial Day 2023 You Can Still Shop Today: Wayfair, Amazon, Kate Spade, Nordstrom, and More
- Solar Power Taking Hold in Nigeria, One Mobile Phone at a Time
- Katrina Sparks a Revolution in Green Modular Housing
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- ‘We Need to Hear These Poor Trees Scream’: Unchecked Global Warming Means Big Trouble for Forests
- Video: Dreamer who Conceived of the Largest Arctic Science Expedition in History Now Racing to Save it
- Fossil Fuel Emissions Push Greenhouse Gas Indicators to Record High in May
Recommendation
'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
China, India to Reach Climate Goals Years Early, as U.S. Likely to Fall Far Short
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Honor Daughter Zaya on Sweet 16 Birthday
Skull found by California hunter in 1991 identified through DNA as remains of missing 4-year-old Derrick Burton
Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
Iowa Republicans pass bill banning most abortions after about 6 weeks
Montana bridge collapse sends train cars into Yellowstone River, prompting federal response
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Diagnosed With Dementia