Cussed

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /kʌst/

Definitions

1. To utter vulgar or offensive language, typically when upset
2. To invoke a supernatural curse intending to bring about misfortune
3. To express oneself using offensive and rude language ; to call down supernatural misfortune on someone or something

Etymology: Cussed comes from "cursed," which is the past participle of the verb "curse." The shift from "curse" to "cuss" is a familiar sound change in which the "r" dropped out, a pattern also seen in words like "bird" and "horse" in many English accents. Once the spelling settled into "cuss," the word took on a stubborn, contrary sense: a "cussed" person was one who obstinately refuses to yield, as if fated to be difficult. The surprise is that the adjective and the verb now part ways in meaning. The verb "cuss" in modern usage mostly means to swear or use profanity, while "cussed" as an adjective is almost always about obstinacy, as in "a cussed old goat." The supernatural sense of invoking a curse survives mainly in the older form "cursed" and in the verb's historical usage.

Synonyms: cursed, damned, vexed, irritated, angry

Antonyms: blessed, calm, pleased, happy, content