Sus
Short for suspicious — popularized by Among Us in 2020 and now used everywhere.
Definition
Short for 'suspicious.' Describes someone behaving in a way that seems deceptive, untrustworthy, or unusual. Entered mainstream vocabulary through the multiplayer game Among Us during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns of 2020.
History
While 'sus' as an abbreviation predates Among Us, the game's 2020 viral explosion made it ubiquitous. Players would accuse each other of being 'sus' (the impostor) and the word jumped from gaming into everyday speech worldwide.
Cultural scores
Editorial estimates of cultural weight — Current Popularity tracks how much people are posting about this now, not historical fame.
Current Popularity = how actively people are posting about this today. Influence = lasting footprint. Cringe = online reception. Brainrot = absurdist energy. How scoring works
Examples
- “That was kinda sus — where were you last period?”
- “Red is sus, vote them out”
- “Okay but that excuse is extremely sus”
Related entries
Culturally linked — not random recommendations.
The Great Meme Reset
EventDuring the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, many pre-pandemic meme formats faded while TikTok-native and Gen Z formats rose — a widely discussed turnover in what felt funny online.
Among Us Meme Era
MemeThe 2020 Among Us boom — crewmate impostor jokes, 'sus,' emergency meetings, and endless fan content.
Based
SlangHolding an opinion confidently without caring about social approval — used online as high praise.
No Cap
Slang'No lie' / 'I'm being serious' — 'cap' means a lie, so 'no cap' means telling the truth.
NPC
SlangCalling someone an NPC means they seem scripted, basic, or incapable of original thought — like a background video-game character.
References
Sources behind this entry. Prefer primary reporting and established culture archives over rumor.
- Sus — Wiktionary
en.wiktionary.org