The word "pus"

Question

can you add a "y" to pus?  if i am trying to describe a sore. for example: she has a pus -- y---- sor on her arm

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

See www.m-w.com.

Double the "s" and add "y".

CJ

Avangi · Answer

Joke, right?<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' alt='Emotion: embarrassed'/>

Cwtch · Answer

CalifJimSee www.m-w.com.

Double the "s" and add "y".

CJ

I think this is a joke. Be careful how you use the word 'pus-sy.' Pus-sy is a cat, a type of willow or crude slang for female genitalia (by far the most common use of the word)! There are even women who call themselves *****. Hard to believe but it's true.

As far as I know, pus is always a noun. It can be an adjective in the form 'puslike' but that means 'similar to pus' not 'covered with pus'.

I think it is better to say, "she has a pus covered sore on her arm". Or, she had a pus ridden sore on her arm.

In speech, I have heard, "that looks pus-sy." However, in speech, you can hear the difference in pronunciation. In writing, this will give a completely different and rather crude meaning.

Avangi · Answer

Do you sense a setup here?<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/38.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/38.gif' alt='Emotion: rolleyes'/>

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Oh boy, a real gotcha!

Cwtch · Answer

AvangiDo you sense a setup here?

It does seem pretty likely. How often did you get writing assignments about sores on people?

CalifJim · Answer

AvangiDo you sense a setup here?

Setup? Whatever do you mean?

I think that that adjective is perfectly fine, though I would hardly recommend its use adjacent to the noun of the same spelling. That could result in confusion.

CJ

AlpheccaStars · Answer

CalifJimI think that that adjective is perfectly fine, though I would hardly recommend its use adjacent to the noun of the same spelling.

CJ: Do you mean a female cat with oozing sores?

CalifJim · Answer

AlpheccaStarsDo you mean a female cat with oozing sores?

That's one interpretation. That's what I meant when I mentioned that it can be confusing. For example, does it really have to be a female cat?

CJ

Cwtch · Answer

AlpheccaStars
CJ: Do you mean a female cat with oozing sores?

I was so careful to be 'polite' and not to offend anyone. My friends say that I don't step over the line. I pole vault over the line. I missed my chance!

The word "pus"

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