sus
In Portuguese, 'sus' is a slang term used to say 'sus'.
The term 'sus' is used to describe someone or something that seems suspicious or dishonest. It is used in Portuguese identically to how it is used in English, having been popularized by gaming culture, particularly the game Among Us.
What does it mean word for word?
sus is a slang abbreviation of the word suspeito (suspicious).
Which one should you use?
While sus is used in informal internet or gaming contexts, you should use the full word suspeito for formal writing or serious situations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
sus is a slang term intended for informal use. For a more standard or informal but less slangy translation, you can use Desconfiado(a).
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, sus does not change for gender or number in common slang usage. You may see it used in phrases like sus demais (too sus).
When do people say it?
The term's popularity is heavily tied to gaming culture.
Did you know?
- The word suspeito shares a root with the word suspender, illustrating a linguistic link between 'hanging' something and 'doubting' it.
- When using the more standard term desconfiado, a Portuguese speaker is describing the person who is feeling the suspicion, whereas suspeito describes the person being suspected.
- While 'sus' is an English-style abbreviation, the Portuguese word it is based on, suspeito, is also the legal term used in courtrooms to describe a person under investigation.
Examples in context
- Ele parece suspeito.He looks sus.This sentence shows how to use sus to describe someone looking suspicious.Tatoeba #1250762 by alexmarcelo, translation #12738652 by rul
- A explicação do suspeito parece duvidosa.The suspect's explanation seems dubious.
- Não confio naquela história, estou desconfiado(a).I don't trust that story, I'm suspicious.
- Aquela loja é muito chunga, não confio.That store is really suspicious, I don't trust it.
- Aquele cara é muito sus.That guy is very sus.
- Esse site parece meio sus.This website looks a bit sus.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a strange email on a laptop.
- CamilaLucas, esse e-mail é muito sus.Lucas, this email is very sus.
- LucasVocê tem razão, Camila. Não abra.You are right, Camila. Don't open it.
- CamilaVou deletar agora mesmo.I'll delete it right now.
- LucasÉ melhor assim, é perigoso.That's better, it's dangerous.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
