Cushy

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈkʌʃi/ (KUSH-ee)

Definitions

• Adjective: Comfortable, cozy, or easy; often used to describe a situation, job, or position that is free from hardship or effort.
• Adjective: Soft or yielding to the touch, providing a pleasant, cushioned feeling.

Usage Examples

• "She landed a cushy job in the office, with no late nights or stressful meetings."
• "The cushy sofa made watching TV even more relaxing."
• "After years of hard work, he finally enjoyed the cushy benefits of early retirement."

Etymology

The word "cushy" is believed to have originated from the Hindi and Urdu word "khushī," meaning happiness or comfort. It was adopted into English in the late 19th century with the meaning of something that is pleasant or comfortable. The word has evolved to also describe an easy, undemanding situation or position.

Synonyms

• Comfortable
• Easy
• Relaxing
• Cozy
• Soft

Antonyms

• Uncomfortable
• Difficult
• Strenuous
• Harsh
• Challenging

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "cushy" is fairly consistent across different regions, with the primary variation being the emphasis on the first syllable in some accents. For example, in British English, the pronunciation tends to be more clipped and quicker, while in American English, the pronunciation is a bit more drawn out.

Historical Usage

The term "cushy" was originally borrowed from Hindi and Urdu during the British colonial period in the 19th century. It was first used to describe things that were comfortable or easy. Over time, its meaning expanded to describe jobs or situations that are not demanding or stressful, often with a somewhat informal or humorous connotation.

Cultural Nuances

The use of "cushy" often implies a sense of indulgence or luxury, particularly in a context where ease or comfort is prioritized over hard work or challenge. In modern usage, it can sometimes carry a mildly disparaging tone when referring to someone who enjoys privileges without effort or hardship.

More Information

The word "cushy" has undergone a shift in its use from primarily describing physical comfort to referring to any undemanding, easy, or luxurious situation. It is frequently used in everyday conversation to describe comfortable living conditions, easy jobs, or a relaxed lifestyle. While its origin lies in the South Asian languages, it has become a common term in informal English worldwide, reflecting a cultural fascination with ease and convenience.