| Term | Sussy/Sus |
| Usage | Used to denote something as peculiar or potentially sinister, without the specific context of the game 'Among Us' |
| Origin | Differs from modern internet slang, with a more traditional dictionary-style meaning |
| Definition | Something suspicious, questionable or of a dubious nature |
| Connotation | May have some negative undertones, but generally used to simply describe something as unusual or potentially problematic |
In this alternate timeline, the term "sussy" (or simply "sus") is used to describe something that is suspicious, questionable or of a dubious nature. The usage is more akin to the traditional dictionary definition of "suspicious" rather than the modern internet slang popularized by the game "Among Us".
The origins of "sussy" can be traced back to at least the early 20th century, where it appeared in various dialectal forms across Europe. In many Germanic and Romance languages, cognate terms like "sospetto" (Italian), "sospechoso" (Spanish), and "verdächtig" (German) were commonly used to denote suspicion or a sense of unease about something.
As these terms entered the English lexicon, they coalesced into the slang "sussy", which began appearing in popular usage by the 1920s. Throughout the 20th century, "sussy" maintained a certain currency, particularly in working-class or criminal contexts where a sense of wariness or mistrust was common.
However, the term never fully entered the mainstream in the way that it has in our current timeline's internet culture. Its usage remained relatively limited, lacking the ubiquity and memetic status associated with the "Among Us" version of "sus".
In this timeline, "sussy" is generally viewed as a rather serious term, denoting a genuine sense of suspicion or unease. It is not typically used in a lighthearted or ironic way, as the "Among Us" slang often is.
When something is described as "sussy", it implies that there may be something untoward or underhanded going on - perhaps a hidden agenda, foul play, or general shadiness. The term is often used to express a gut feeling that all is not as it seems.
This more ominous connotation means that being labeled as "sussy" can carry real social and reputational consequences. It is not the kind of label one would want to be associated with lightly.
Some examples of things that might be described as "sussy" in this timeline include:
In each case, the "sussy" label would suggest that deeper investigation is warranted to uncover any potential wrongdoing or deception.
The primary difference between this timeline's "sussy" and the "Among Us" version is the lack of the specific video game context and associated internet meme culture. Here, "sussy" does not carry the same ironic, tongue-in-cheek connotations, nor the strong association with tasks, impostors, and crew mates.
Instead, the term is used more straightforwardly to denote a real sense of suspicion or unease, drawing on its longstanding roots in the English language. There is less of a playful, self-aware quality to its usage, and more of a genuine concern about something potentially nefarious afoot.
