cuz

(regional, _, AAVE, chiefly, MTE, slang) A cousin.

An informal term of address used among close friends or within a social group, particularly in African American and Latino youth vernacular in the United States. Likely derived from 'cuz' (cousin), which is itself used as a general term of address rather than literally. Used casually to acknowledge or address someone in your circle.

A casual check-in directed at someone you address as cuz — a term of familiar address used widely in Black American slang and spread through hip-hop culture. Dropping a cuz check is the conversational equivalent of a well-being ping: you are establishing contact, seeing what is good, and affirming the relationship with the address itself. The cuz check can be a text, a DM, or a shoutout — what matters is the warmth baked into the acknowledgment. It signals genuine closeness rather than transactional communication.

An elevated form of cuz, applied to someone who has earned a near-mythological level of respect, affection, or reputation within a friend group or community. Calling someone cuz god acknowledges not just closeness but a kind of legendary status — they have the knowledge, the connections, the presence, or the skills that make everyone around them better. The god suffix is ironic enough to land as a compliment rather than hyperbole, and the warmth of cuz keeps it from sounding sycophantic. Reserved for the one person in the circle who consistently delivers.