1. Australian Origin:
* The most widely accepted theory is that "suss" comes from the Australian slang word "suspect," which itself likely originated from the English word "suspect."
* Australians often shorten words and use them in unique ways, so "suspect" became "sus" and then "suss."
* This theory aligns with the use of "suss" as a verb meaning "to understand, figure out, or suspect."
2. Yiddish Origin:
* A less common theory suggests "suss" is derived from the Yiddish word "sus," which means "to understand" or "to know."
* This theory connects to the meaning of "suss" as a verb, but its link to Australian slang is less clear.
Historical Context:
* The word "suss" gained popularity in the 1980s, coinciding with the rise of Australian youth culture and the spread of Australian slang.
* It became popularized in the UK and other English-speaking countries through media and cultural influence.
Current Usage:
* Today, "suss" is widely used in informal contexts, particularly in online communities and among young people.
* It's often used to express suspicion, understanding, or the ability to decipher something.
So, while the precise origin of "suss" remains debated, the Australian slang theory holds the most weight, tracing its roots back to the word "suspect" and its transformation through Australian linguistic creativity.