It sucks, they suck, etc.
/sʌks/
Definition
The meaning: Suck (as in "this sucks") is an informal term used to express disappointment, frustration, or dissatisfaction with a situation.
La signification: Le verbe suck, dans le sens de this sucks, est une expression familière qui signifie qu’une situation est décevante, frustrante ou désagréable. Cette expression est couramment utilisée dans le langage informel, notamment chez les jeunes, pour exprimer un sentiment de frustration ou de mécontentement face à quelque chose qui ne répond pas aux attentes.
Note: This phrase is commonly used in conversational English to complain about something unpleasant or unfortunate.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» C'est nul
» C'est pourri
» C'est désastreux
A: J'ai oublié mon portefeuille à la maison.
B: Oh non, c'est nul !
English synonyms
» That’s awful
» That’s rubbish
» That’s terrible
A: I left my wallet at home.
B: Oh no, that sucks!
Dialogue
Thabo: "I was really looking forward to the concert, but it’s been cancelled."
Lerato: "Oh no, that sucks! I know how much you wanted to go."
Thabo: "Yeah, I even bought the tickets months ago."
Lerato: "That’s awful. I hope you can get a refund at least."
Etymology
Origin: The informal use of suck to express frustration or dissatisfaction originated in American English in the mid-20th century. It has since become widely used in spoken English, including in the UK, though it is considered more colloquial than "that’s rubbish" or "that’s awful." The phrase is particularly common among younger speakers and in casual conversations.
Audience
The term "suck" (in the sense of this sucks) is widely used in informal spoken English, particularly among younger speakers. It is common in British English, though alternatives like "that’s rubbish" or "that’s terrible" may be preferred in formal settings.
When to use: Use "suck" in casual conversations to express frustration or disappointment. For example: "I missed my train. That sucks," or "This weather sucks—it’s been raining all day!" In more formal situations, consider alternatives like "That’s unfortunate" or "That’s disappointing."
Dictionary Meaning
Cambridge says the abbreviation is "If someone or something sucks, that person or thing is bad or unpleasant."
'Man, this job sucks!' or 'While my brother was sick, I had to do all of his chores and it sucked' are good examples.
News Snippet
"Anyway, we will have to watch this space to see what they come up with, if anything. But I do think there is one point to be made about the carrot and stick as a management technique: it sucks."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Sucks"
It sucks / That sucks
A casual way to say something is bad, unfair, or disappointing.
Example: "The weather today sucks—it's been raining all day."
He/She sucks (at something)
Means someone is very bad at a particular activity.
Example: "John sucks at cooking—he burned the pasta again."
Sucky
An adjective describing something as bad or unpleasant.
Example: "I had a sucky day at work—everything went wrong."
Life sucks
A pessimistic expression meaning life is unfair or difficult.
Example: "I failed my exam... life sucks sometimes."
This sucks the life out of me
Means something is extremely draining or exhausting.
Example: "My job sucks the life out of me—I need a vacation."
Suck it up
A phrase telling someone to endure a difficult situation without complaining.
Example: "The workout is tough, but just suck it up and finish it!"
Related Slang & Informal Terms
It blows
Similar to "it sucks," meaning something is terrible.
Example: "This party blows—let’s go somewhere else."
It’s the worst
An exaggerated way to say something is very bad.
Example: "This coffee is the worst—it tastes like water."
It’s a drag
Means something is boring or unpleasant.
Example: "Meetings at work are such a drag."
It’s lame
Describes something as uncool or disappointing.
Example: "The concert got canceled? That’s so lame!"
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