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Bus vs. Buss

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  Marius Alza  —  Grammar Tips
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Bus vs. Buss

"Bus" is one of the first English words people learn, in the "means of transport" chapter, from their first contact with this language. But what about "buss"? Does it mean the same thing?

Similarities between English words are often confusing, and the fact that they are sometimes used wrongly in online publications is amplifying this effect. So let's establish, using some clear explanations and examples, whether both spellings are correct and how each of them is defined.

Bus vs. Buss

First of all, "buss" is not another spelling for "bus". Never use "buss" when referring to a means of transport, because it doesn't carry this signification. With "bus", however, things are quite clear. It refers to the means of transport that carries passengers by road. As for "buss", this one is actually the word that creates confusion.

"Buss" is not a formal word, it is not even presented in some dictionaries because, officially, it is never used in formal conversations. Yet, in informal language, "buss" can be used with multiple meanings and we will explain below some of those.

When do we use "bus"?

"Bus" is most frequently used as a noun, defining a large vehicle used to transport passengers by road, usually on a fixed route. Secondly, it is also used as a verb, defining the action of taking a group of people and transporting them with a bus.

Example 1: I am waiting for the bus to go to work. - as a noun, "bus" defines the large vehicle used to transport people by road.

Example 2: If I lose my job, I have a plan B. I own a driver's license and a minibus, so I will bus people from a town to another. - as a verb, "bus" refers to the action of transporting people in a bus.

When do we use "buss"?

You should never use "buss" in a formal conversation, because this is an informal word. Formally, "bus" is only spelled with double "s" when it is a verb used in British English ("bussing" or "bussed"). Otherwise, "buss" should never replace "bus".

Even so, there are a few contexts that accept "buss" in daily, informal conversations. For instance, as a noun, "buss" can refer to the action of slightly kissing or touching with the lips. At the same time, as an adjective, "buss" is often used in some specific areas describing the state of being drunk or high.

Example 1: She showed her affection with a quick buss on his cheek. - as a noun, "buss" defines a slight, gentle kiss.

Example 2: You didn't drink too much, how come you are buss already? - "buss" can also be used as an adjective to describe somebody who is drunk.

Conclusion

Even though there are a few meanings commonly accepted and known among English users for "buss", this word remains informal and should never be used in official or formal conversations, especially not as a replacement for "bus". "Bus", on the other hand, is a very usual word in English and it can be used whenever referring to a large vehicle used as a means of transport.

Bus vs. Buss

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1 Comment
  • bussdaniel24
    my last name is Buss so I beg to differ when coming up in conversation
    LikeReply 12 years ago

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