puss
/pus/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Informal term for a cat: A familiar or affectionate, sometimes playful, name for a domestic cat.
- Vulgar slang for female genitals: An obscene and offensive term for the vulva or vagina.
Usage and Examples
Noun (Informal for a cat):
- Come here, puss! I have some milk for you.
- My little puss loves to sleep in the sunbeam.
Noun (Vulgar slang):
- ⚠️ Warning: This usage is highly offensive and vulgar. It is provided here for comprehension only and should not be used in polite conversation.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- The informal use for a cat is often considered cute or affectionate, similar to "kitty." Its tone can range from neutral to endearing.
- The vulgar slang term is considered deeply offensive and misogynistic. It is primarily encountered in coarse, insulting, or pornographic contexts. Learners should avoid using this word entirely due to its offensive nature.
Variants and Related Words
- Pussy (n): This is a more common variant for both meanings.
- As a term for a cat: The pussycat purred loudly. (Note: "Pussycat" is a common, inoffensive compound.)
- As vulgar slang: ⚠️ This variant is even more common and carries the same severe offensive connotation.
Synonyms
- For 'cat': Kitty, feline, moggy (UK informal), tabby.
- ⚠️ For the vulgar term: This dictionary does not provide synonyms for obscene terms to avoid unnecessary offense. Learners should be aware it is a crude synonym for female genitalia.
Important Caution
Due to the dual nature of this word, with one meaning being harmless and the other profoundly offensive, extreme context sensitivity is required. In most general or formal situations, using "cat," "kitty," or "feline" is strongly recommended over "puss." The vulgar meaning is dominant in many contexts and can lead to serious misunderstanding or offense if the intended meaning was the feline one.
Noun
- informal terms referring to a domestic cat
- obscene terms for female genitals