“Suss Out” Meaning, Origin and Examples

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The phrase “suss out” is considered a form of slang that is used in conversation. Often people who don’t speak English as their first language hear or see this phrase and wonder what it means because “suss” is a word that is not encountered often. If you have wandered to this page wondering what this phrase means, then you are in luck. The meaning of this slang phrase can be found here, along with the phrase’s origin, some example sentences and conversations, and some alternative ways to say the same thing in conversation.

“Suss Out” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “suss out” means to figure out, understand, or investigate something, often by using intuition or deduction. It is commonly used in British English and can refer to discerning the truth about a situation, determining someone’s intentions, or gathering information.
Suss Out
Suss Out – Created by 7ESL

“Suss Out” Meaning

The phrase “suss out” means to figure out, understand, or investigate something. It often involves deducing or discovering information, especially in a situation where clarity is needed. The term is commonly used in informal contexts.

Examples:

  • “I need to suss out what’s really going on before making a decision.”
  • “She managed to suss out his true intentions during their conversation.”

Origin of this Idiomatic Term

The phrase “suss out” is believed to have come from the British slang term “sus.” “Sus” was used as an abbreviated way to say “suspect” or “suspected.” The term was first heard in Britain in the early 1950s and first appeared in America on the channel BBC in the 1970s. The first time the phrase was heard in America was not until 1990.

Usage of “Suss Out”

  • In a work context:

“I’m trying to suss out the reasons behind the team’s recent drop in productivity.”

  • Talking about relationships:

“It took me a while to suss out his true feelings about the situation.”

  • Describing a personal investigation:

“She had to suss out the best route to take for the road trip before leaving.”

  • In a casual conversation:

“I’ll need to suss out what everyone wants for dinner before making a reservation.”

Related Terms to “Suss Out”

  • Figure out – to understand or solve a problem or situation.
  • Deductions – the process of reasoning from general principles to specific cases.
  • Uncover – to reveal or discover something that was hidden or not immediately obvious.
  • Investigate – to carry out a systematic inquiry to discover facts or information.
  • Discern – to perceive or recognize something clearly.
  • Assess – to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something.
  • Elucidate – to make something clear or explain it in detail.
  • Gauge – to measure or estimate the nature or amount of something.
  • Detect – to discover or identify the existence of something.
  • Sort out – to resolve or clarify a situation or problem.

Alternatives to “Suss Out”

There are several words or phrases that you can use to replace the phrase “suss out” in conversation. Some of the alternatives you could use include:

  • Figure out
  • Determine
  • Work out

“Suss Out” Examples

Example Sentences

  • Before cops can accuse someone of a crime, they first need to suss out who did it.
  • When it comes to determining which one of my kids did something bad, I first have to talk to them eye-to-eye and suss out all the information.
  • I’d had the training to suss out what he was up to.
  • If you want to succeed in business you have to suss out the competition.
  • It’s a really good way to keep an eye on other sprinters and suss out the competition.

Example Conversations

A discussion between father and son.

  • Son: Dad, I need some advice.
  • Father: Okay, I will try to help.
  • Son: Donna told me that Victor hit on her. I went to Victor and he told me that Donna lied. She was the one that hit on him. I need to suss out the truth because Donna is my girlfriend and Victor is my best friend.
  • Father: I can see your dilemma. You need to sit down and have a heart to heart with them both. Then take time to analyze the information before making a decision. Your gut will tell you the truth, so believe in it.

A discussion between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: We need to suss out the culprit who is stealing people’s lunches from the refrigerator.
  • Co-worker 2: We can install a camera in the break room. That would help.
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