1 C1 idiomatic slang
To withdraw from something because of fear or a lack of courage.
"I can't believe you pussed out at the last second — you said you'd do the bungee jump with us."
inseparable
puss out
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
A milder spelling variant of 'pussy out': to avoid doing something because of fear or cowardice.
In plain English
To decide not to do something because you are too scared.
What does "puss out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
This is a euphemistic spelling of 'pussy out,' used to soften the vulgarity while retaining the same meaning. Still considered crude by many. Primarily used in informal spoken American English and online. ESL learners should use 'chicken out' instead.
Words that pair with "puss out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fight challenge dare jump commitment
How to conjugate "puss out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
puss out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pusses out
he/she/it
Past simple
pussed out
yesterday
Past participle
pussed out
have + pp
-ing form
pussing out
continuous
Hear "puss out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "puss out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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