sucks

Sucks is the third-person singular present tense of the verb suck. It has a literal sense related to drawing a substance into the mouth or creating suction, and it can describe the physical act of pulling or drawing air, liquid, or other matter. In everyday language, it also appears in the informal expression it sucks, used to indicate that something is very bad, disappointing, or of low quality. The verb can be used transitively (to suck something) or intransitively (to suck at something).

Etymology and sense development: suck comes from Old English sūcan, with cognates in other Germanic languages, meaning to draw in or draw breath. The transformation of suck into slang meaning “to be bad” or “to perform poorly” developed over the 20th century and spread through American English and other varieties in informal contexts. The negative sense is metaphorical, likening a disappointing situation to something that literally sucks.

Usage and register: the slang sense is informal and widely understood in casual speech, writing, and media. It may be perceived as crude or vulgar in some contexts, and is typically avoided in formal writing, professional communication, or formal journalism. The expression is most common in American English but is recognized in many English-speaking regions.

In culture and variants: beyond the basic verb, related phrases include sucking up (flattering someone for advantage) and sucky or suckier as adjectives describing poor quality. The term remains a staple of contemporary slang and pop culture references, though its strong, informal tone means speakers choose alternatives in more formal settings.