cuss out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Also seen as: curse out

Meaning · English

To berate (someone or something) using profane language; to swear at (someone or something), especially at length.

Register: informal

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

[A]fter winning a berth on the U.S. Davis Cup team, he was dropped from the competition for the ungentlemanly way in which he cussed out a ball boy.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “cuss out” mean?

To berate (someone or something) using profane language; to swear at (someone or something), especially at length.

Is “cuss out” formal or informal?

cuss out is generally informal.