suss
[suhs]
- Chiefly British Slang. to investigate or figure out (usually followed by out).
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Origin of suss
First recorded in 1965–70; earlier, to suspect, a suspect, shortening of suspect
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for suss
Contemporary Examples
“It has so much to do with Amy and her reaction to Ben,” he says, attempting to suss out the surprising turn of events.
One would think that a media communications expert might be able to suss that out on her own.
If you want to suss out the cleanliness and hygiene level of any hotel, take a quick look behind furniture and drapes.
Historical Examples
Presently there came a sound from the stove, "Suss—suss—suss!"
Twenty-Four Unusual Stories for Boys and GirlsAnna Cogswell Tyler
suss
- (often foll by out) to attempt to work out (a situation, person's character, etc), esp using one's intuition
- Also: sus to become aware of; suspect (esp in the phrase suss it)
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- sharpness of mind; social astuteness
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See also sus laws
Word Origin
C20: shortened from suspect
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for suss
v.
"to figure out, investigate and discover," 1966, earlier "to suspect" (1953, police jargon), a slang shortening of suspect (v.).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper