What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Fuss vs Cuss - What's the difference?

fuss | cuss |

As an adjective fuss

is willing.

As a verb cuss is

to use cursing, to use bad language, to speak profanely.

As a noun cuss is

a curse or cuss can be a fellow, person.

fuss

English

Noun

(es)
  • Excessive activity, worry, bother, or talk about something.
  • * (Thomas Carlyle) (1795-1881)
  • zealously, assiduously, and with a minimum of fuss or noise
  • *{{quote-book, year=1935, author= George Goodchild
  • , title=Death on the Centre Court, chapter=1 , passage=“Anthea hasn't a notion in her head but to vamp a lot of silly mugwumps. She's set her heart on that tennis bloke
  • # A complaint or noise.
  • # An exhibition of affection or admiration.
  • One who is unduly anxious about trifles.
  • * (1837-1920)
  • I am a fuss and I don't deny it.

    Verb

    (es)
  • To be very worried or excited about something, often too much.
  • His grandmother will never quit fussing over his vegetarianism.
  • To fiddle; fidget; wiggle, or adjust; to worry something
  • Quit fussing with your hair. It looks fine.
  • (especially of babies) To cry or be ill-humoured.
  • Usage notes

    * Generally used with with, over, or about.

    Verb

    (head)
  • To show affection for, especially animals.
  • To pet.
  • He fussed the cat.

    Derived terms

    * fussy * fuss and bother * no muss no fuss

    References

    cuss

    English

    Etymology 1

    American English dialect pronunciation of (m).

    Verb

    (es)
  • To use cursing, to use bad language, to speak profanely.
  • Derived terms
    * cuss out

    Noun

    (cusses)
  • A curse.
  • A curse word.
  • Etymology 2

    .

    Noun

    (cusses)
  • A fellow, person.