Susses Them Out: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
February 23, 2024

"Susses them out" is a phrase that means to figure out, understand, or discover the true nature of someone or something. It often implies a process of careful observation, analysis, or investigation to gain insight or uncover hidden details. For instance, if someone says, "She susses them out before making a decision," it means she tries to understand or get to know them better before deciding.

In short:

  • It means to figure out or understand someone or something more deeply.
  • It involves careful observation or investigation.

What Does "Susses Them Out" Mean?

The phrase "susses them out" is commonly used to describe the process of understanding, discovering, or figuring out the true character, intentions, or nature of people or situations. It involves a certain level of perceptiveness or investigation. The term 'sus' is a colloquial abbreviation of 'suspect' or 'suspicious', and in this context, it means to determine the truth or reality of a situation or person's character.

More about the phrase's meaning:

  • It suggests a degree of skepticism or the need for verification.
  • Used in contexts where clarity or understanding is sought.
  • It can be applied in both personal and professional situations.
  • It often involves going beyond the surface to understand hidden aspects.
  • Similar phrases include "figure out," "get the measure of," and "size up."

Where Does "Susses Them Out" Come From?

The phrase "susses them out" derives from the slang term "sus," which is an abbreviation of "suspect" or "suspicious." This slang usage became popular in British English and eventually made its way into more widespread usage. The phrase typically suggests a process of investigation or careful consideration to determine the truth or nature of something, echoing the investigative connotations of the words "suspect" and "suspicious."

Historical Example

"He always takes his time to sus out the situation before making any moves."

10 Examples of "Susses Them Out" in Sentences

To better understand the use of "susses them out," here are some examples:

  • The detective sussed them out to find the culprit behind the crime.
  • Before investing, she always susses out the company's financial health.
  • He likes to suss out new employees before trusting them with major projects.
  • He susses them out before he clocks out from work.
  • Before agreeing to the deal, they sussed out all possible risks.
  • The journalist sussed out the facts to report the story accurately.
  • I couldn't understand the mystery for the life of me until she sussed them out.
  • She sussed out the competition before entering the contest.
  • In the mish-mosh of ideas during the brainstorming session, her keen insight susses them out.
  • As the memories play over in my mind, the subtle details suss them out.

Examples of "Susses Them Out" in Pop Culture

This phrase is also used in pop culture, often in mystery, investigation, or character assessment contexts.

Let's look at some examples:

  • The book "The True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins" features a child protagonist who, without naming the problems directly, susses them out with the wisdom of a child.
  • In the movie "Barbie" (2023), there's a scene where a group of construction workers catcalls Barbie, and she susses them out, showcasing her assertiveness and intelligence.
  • For news, there was a mention in "The Circle" where viewers anticipated a contestant named Tim, referred to as 'Sherlock,' to suss out the identity of two other contestants, Beth and Jack, who were pretending to be someone else.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Susses Them Out"

Here are some phrases that convey a similar meaning:

  • Figure out
  • Size up
  • Analyze
  • Scrutinize
  • Investigate
  • Get the measure of
  • Decipher
  • Unravel
  • Probe
  • Examine

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Susses Them Out":

  • What does "susses them out" mean?

"Susses them out" refers to the process of understanding or figuring out the true nature or intentions of someone or something, often through observation or analysis.

  • Is "susses them out" a formal phrase?

No, it's more informal and colloquial. In formal contexts, terms like "analyze" or "investigate" might be more suitable.

  • Can "susses them out" be used in a business context?

Yes, it can be used in business to refer to understanding a competitor, market, or new employee.

  • Does it always involve skepticism?

Not necessarily skepticism, but it does involve a desire to understand or uncover more information.

  • Is it similar to judging someone?

While it involves assessment, "sussing out" is more about understanding than making a judgment.

  • Can it be used in romantic contexts?

Yes, it can be used when trying to figure out a potential partner's intentions or compatibility.

  • Is "susses them out" a British phrase?

It originated in British slang but is now used more widely in various English-speaking regions.

  • Does it always require careful analysis?

It usually involves some degree of careful observation or thought, though the depth can vary.

  • Can "susses them out" be applied to situations, not just people?

Yes, it can also be used to understand or analyze situations, like a business deal or a complex problem.

  • Is it a recent phrase?

The slang 'sus' has been around for a while, but "susses them out" has gained more popularity in recent times.

Final Thoughts About "Susses Them Out"

The phrase "susses them out" is useful for expressing the action of understanding or discovering the truth about people or situations. It's a colloquial term that helps describe the process of analysis, investigation, or observation in both personal and professional contexts.

To recap:

  • It's commonly used to describe a process of understanding or uncovering something more deeply.
  • It involves observation, analysis, or investigation.
  • Applicable in various contexts, from personal relationships to professional environments.
  • Knowing this phrase can be useful for conveying the idea of seeking deeper understanding or clarity.

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