adjective
wussy
WUU-see
Wussy (adjective) means Weak, timid, or lacking courage; used informally and often as an insult. Example: “Don't be so wussy about the cold water — just jump in.”
adjective
1
Weak, timid, or lacking courage; used informally and often as an insult.
"Don't be so wussy about the cold water — just jump in."
"He felt wussy for skipping the roller coaster."
noun
1
A wuss; someone who avoids something out of unreasonable fear.
"Only a wussy would turn down free skydiving."
How to use wussy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInformal word describing someone (or their behavior) as cowardly or overly cautious.
When to use it
Casual slang — avoid in formal writing; can sound crude to some listeners.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- wussies
- Comparative
- wussier
- Superlative
- wussiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't be so _____ about the cold water — just jump in.
Etymology
From 1960s American slang, probably a blend of "wimp" and "pussy," or a shortening of the reduplicated "pussy-wussy."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for wussy
See all rhymes for wussy →Frequently asked questions
What does “wussy” mean?
The word “wussy” means weak, timid, or lacking courage; used informally and often as an insult. In plain terms, informal word describing someone (or their behavior) as cowardly or overly cautious.
How do you pronounce “wussy”?
“Wussy” is pronounced WUU-see (/ˈwʊsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “wussy” in a sentence?
Here is “wussy” used in a sentence: “Don't be so wussy about the cold water — just jump in.”
What part of speech is “wussy”?
Depending on how it is used, “wussy” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “wussy” come from?
The word “wussy” dates back to around 1960. From 1960s American slang, probably a blend of "wimp" and "pussy," or a shortening of the reduplicated "pussy-wussy.".
How many meanings does “wussy” have?
“Wussy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: weak, timid, or lacking courage; used informally and often as an insult.
