cuz

1 of 2

noun

ˈkəz 

plural cuzzes

1

informal : cousin sense 1a

… Robyne is my cuz, part of that ever-growing Fambro clan.

—Theresa Fambro Hooks

… a laughing group of cousins are gathered at Jan's home ("Hi, cuzzes!" says one, upon entering) …

—Moira Macdonald

2

informal

a

: a friend or acquaintance

Now [Triston] McKenzie refers to [CC] Sabathia as his "cuz," one who returned to Cleveland to watch his mentee's first playoff start …

—Gary Phillips

b

—used as a friendly way of addressing someone and especially a man or boy

His roommate … looked up from where he was leafing through a new-looking copy of A Farewell to Arms. "Damn, cuz, what's up? …"

—Martha Southgate

Note: Usage of this sense originated in African American English and has since become widespread.

cuz

2 of 2

conjunction

ˈkəz 

variants or 'cuz

informal

: because

"Why aren't you at work now?" "Cuz I got laid off, man!"

—Dagoberto Gilb

Word History

Etymology

Noun

shortening and respelling of cousin

Conjunction

shortening and respelling of because

First Known Use

Noun

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Conjunction

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above