What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cuss
Example
Please don't cuss in front of my children. [cuss: verb]
Example
He's such a cuss, always using bad language. [cuss: noun]
Example
She started cussing when she found out she lost her job. [cussing: gerund or present participle]
curse
Example
He cursed under his breath when he realized he forgot his keys. [cursed: past tense]
Example
The witch put a curse on the prince, causing him to fall into a deep sleep. [curse: noun]
Example
She cursed her ex-boyfriend for cheating on her. [cursing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cuss is more commonly used in American English, while curse is more universal and can be used in various contexts and languages.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cuss and curse?
Curse is generally considered more formal than cuss, but both can be seen as impolite or inappropriate in certain situations.
