# pussy

/ˈpʊsi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pussy
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 4. containing pus

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

full of or leaking pus from an infection.

For teachers: containing, consisting of, or resembling pus; purulent.

- The doctor cleaned the pussy wound to help it heal faster.
- The nurse noted that the incision had become pussy and inflamed, suggesting a localized bacterial infection.

### 5. to quit due to fear

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Vulgar

to decide not to do something because you are afraid.

For teachers: to withdraw from an action or commitment out of cowardice; almost exclusively used in the phrasal verb 'pussy out'.

- He promised to go skydiving with us, but he pussied out at the last minute.
- Despite his initial bravado, he pussied out when he realized the legal risks involved in the protest.

## Examples

- He called his friend a pussy for not jumping into the cold water.
- The use of such vulgar language in the workplace, particularly words like pussy, is grounds for immediate disciplinary action.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.