At the A1 level, 'cursed' is a difficult word because it is not very common in basic daily life. However, you can think of it as a very strong way to say 'bad' or 'unlucky.' Imagine a person who always has bad things happen to them. You might say they are 'cursed.' In very simple stories, like fairy tales, a witch might put a 'curse' on a princess. This means the princess will have a bad problem, like sleeping for a hundred years. At this level, just remember that 'cursed' means something very bad is happening because of magic or very bad luck. It is a 'scary' word. You might see it in a Halloween book or a simple movie about ghosts. Don't worry about the slang meaning yet. Just focus on the idea of magic making things go wrong. If you lose your toy, you are unlucky. If you lose your toy every single day for a year, you might feel cursed. It is a big word for a big problem. Try to use it only when something feels very, very unlucky or strange.
For A2 learners, 'cursed' can be understood as an adjective that describes someone or something with terrible luck. You might hear it in cartoons or movies. For example, 'The house is cursed' means that ghosts live there or bad things happen to anyone who goes inside. It is more than just 'unlucky.' It feels like the bad luck is stuck to the person or the place. You can also use it to talk about history or legends. Many people know about 'cursed' treasures in pirate stories. If you take the treasure, you will have bad luck forever. This is a good way to practice using adjectives to describe objects. You can also start to see how it is used in common phrases like 'a cursed life.' This means a life full of sadness and problems. At this level, you should be able to recognize the word in a story and understand that it creates a dark or mysterious mood. It is a useful word for describing spooky things during holidays like Halloween.
At the B1 level, you should understand the two main ways people use 'cursed.' The first is the traditional meaning: being under a magical spell or having a long period of very bad luck. You might use this when talking about a sports team that never wins or a character in a novel who is destined for tragedy. The second meaning is the modern internet slang. On social media, people call things 'cursed' if they are weird, creepy, or just 'wrong' to look at. For example, a photo of a pizza with strawberries and pickles might be called a 'cursed image.' It's not literally magic; it's just very unsettling. This is a great word for expressing your opinion about things that are strange. You should also be careful with the grammar. 'Cursed' is the adjective, but 'to curse' is the verb. If you 'curse' someone, you are either saying bad words to them or trying to give them bad luck with magic. Understanding this difference will help you use the word correctly in conversation and writing.
B2 learners should be comfortable using 'cursed' in both literal and figurative contexts. You can use it to describe a 'cursed bloodline' in a literary analysis or a 'cursed project' in a business meeting (though this is a bit dramatic!). At this level, you should also notice the nuances in tone. Using 'cursed' can be a way to add drama or humor to a situation. For example, if you say 'This computer is cursed,' you are using hyperbole to express your frustration with technology. You should also be aware of the word's synonyms and how they differ. 'Hexed' sounds more specific and perhaps less serious, while 'doomed' sounds much more final and tragic. In the context of digital culture, you should understand that 'cursed' is part of a specific vocabulary that includes words like 'blursed' (blessed and cursed) and 'vibe.' Being able to use 'cursed' to describe a complex, unsettling feeling shows a high level of cultural and linguistic awareness. You should also be able to distinguish between the one-syllable and two-syllable pronunciations, knowing that the two-syllable version is usually reserved for formal or poetic texts.
At the C1 level, you can explore the deeper psychological and cultural implications of the word 'cursed.' It often relates to the concept of the 'uncanny'—something that is familiar yet strangely alien, causing a sense of unease. You can use 'cursed' to discuss how certain aesthetics in art or media intentionally provoke discomfort. In academic or literary discussions, you might analyze a 'cursed protagonist' whose downfall is inevitable due to their own flaws or external fate. You should also be able to use the word with precision in various registers. In a formal critique, you might describe a 'cursed legacy' of a political decision. In a casual setting, you can fluently use the slang meaning to describe the 'cursed energy' of a social situation. Furthermore, you should be aware of the etymological roots and how the word has shifted from a purely religious/supernatural term to a secular, psychological one. Your ability to use 'cursed' to describe not just a state of luck, but a specific quality of 'wrongness' in the world, demonstrates a sophisticated command of English.
For C2 learners, 'cursed' is a tool for nuanced expression across a vast range of discourses. You can master the word's ability to evoke the 'sublime' or the 'grotesque.' You might use it to describe the 'cursed beauty' of a decaying city or the 'cursed brilliance' of a controversial scientist. At this level, you should be able to play with the word's history, perhaps using the archaic two-syllable pronunciation to create a specific atmosphere in creative writing or performance. You understand that 'cursed' can be a commentary on the human condition—the feeling that we are sometimes at the mercy of forces beyond our control, whether those are societal, psychological, or cosmic. You can also analyze the 'cursed image' phenomenon as a postmodern reaction to the polished, 'perfect' images usually found on social media. Your usage of 'cursed' should be effortless, whether you are writing a complex philosophical essay, a sharp piece of cultural criticism, or engaging in witty, high-speed internet discourse. You recognize that the word's power lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the ancient and the digital, the tragic and the absurd.

cursed in 30 Sekunden

  • Cursed traditionally means being under a magical spell that causes bad luck or harm, often found in myths and horror stories.
  • In modern internet culture, it describes images or videos that are unsettling, weird, or 'wrong' in a funny but creepy way.
  • The word can be used hyperbolically to describe a person's own bad luck or a project that keeps failing for no clear reason.
  • It is a versatile adjective that ranges from serious literary contexts to lighthearted but dark digital humor and social media memes.

The word cursed is a multifaceted adjective that has evolved significantly from its traditional roots in folklore and religion to become a cornerstone of modern internet vernacular. At its most basic level, to be cursed is to be under the influence of a supernatural force intended to cause harm, misfortune, or even death. This traditional usage often appears in literature, mythology, and horror cinema, where objects, places, or lineages are burdened by a malevolent spell. However, in contemporary social media and digital culture, the term has undergone a semantic shift. It is now frequently used to describe images, videos, or situations that are deeply unsettling, logically inconsistent, or 'wrong' in a way that triggers a visceral reaction of discomfort or confusion. This modern 'cursed' aesthetic often involves low-quality photography, bizarre juxtapositions, or things that simply should not exist, such as a sandwich filled with toothpaste or a doll with human teeth.

Traditional Context
In historical and literary contexts, 'cursed' implies a divine or magical punishment. It suggests a fate that cannot be escaped, often resulting from a moral failing or a transgression against the sacred. For example, the 'cursed' treasure of a pirate ship or a family line that suffers from a recurring tragedy.

The villagers believed the ancient forest was cursed because no birds ever sang within its dark borders.

Modern Slang Context
On platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and TikTok, 'cursed' refers to content that is 'blursed' (blessed and cursed) or purely disturbing. It describes something that makes the viewer feel an inexplicable sense of dread or 'cringe.' It is the opposite of 'wholesome' or 'aesthetic.'

I found a cursed image of a cat wearing a human face mask, and I haven't been able to sleep since.

The versatility of 'cursed' allows it to bridge the gap between high-stakes drama and low-brow humor. In a historical novel, a cursed crown might lead to the fall of an empire, representing the weight of history and the consequences of greed. In a group chat, a cursed emoji might simply be a distorted version of a smiling face that looks slightly menacing. This duality makes it a powerful word for learners to master, as it requires an understanding of both the literal, heavy meaning and the figurative, lighthearted (yet dark) modern usage. Understanding the nuance helps you navigate different social spheres, from discussing Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' to browsing the latest memes.

The explorer felt cursed after his third expedition in a row was ruined by unexpected storms.

Emotional Resonance
The word carries a heavy emotional load. It implies a lack of agency—that the misfortune is happening *to* the subject because of some external, often invisible, force. It evokes feelings of helplessness, fear, or morbid curiosity.

That abandoned hospital has a cursed energy that makes everyone want to leave immediately.

Some people believe the number thirteen is cursed, leading many buildings to skip the thirteenth floor.

Using 'cursed' effectively requires matching the word to the appropriate level of intensity and context. In its most literal sense, it functions as a descriptor for things afflicted by supernatural ill-will. In this capacity, it often pairs with nouns like 'land,' 'object,' 'bloodline,' or 'fate.' For example, 'The cursed amulet brought nothing but sorrow to its owners.' Here, the word sets a somber, mystical tone. When moving into the realm of hyperbole, people often use 'cursed' to describe persistent bad luck in everyday life. If your car breaks down, you lose your keys, and it starts raining all in one morning, you might exclaim, 'I am cursed!' This usage is common in informal conversation and adds a dramatic flair to one's frustrations.

Describing Objects
When describing an object, 'cursed' suggests that the item itself possesses a negative power. It is not just broken; it is fundamentally wrong or dangerous.

He refused to touch the cursed mirror, fearing it would trap his soul.

Describing Situations
In situational contexts, 'cursed' implies a sequence of events that feels orchestrated by a malicious force. It is often used to describe projects or events that seem destined to fail.

The film production was cursed from the start, with sets burning down and actors falling ill.

In the modern digital landscape, the sentence structure often changes to focus on the 'energy' or 'vibe' of a piece of media. You might hear someone say, 'This video has such cursed energy.' This means the video is uncomfortable to watch. It is also used as a standalone reaction: 'That's cursed.' This brevity is typical of internet slang, where the word acts as a label for a specific category of weirdness. When using it this way, you are signaling your familiarity with internet subcultures. It is important to note that while 'cursed' can be funny, it usually retains a slight edge of genuine discomfort.

The kitchen in that apartment was so cursed that the oven was located inside the shower.

Hyperbolic Self-Description
Using 'cursed' to describe yourself usually indicates a humorous exaggeration of your own bad luck or lack of skill in a specific area.

I am cursed when it comes to baking; everything I put in the oven turns into charcoal.

The old legend says that anyone who steals from the tomb will be cursed for seven generations.

You will encounter the word 'cursed' in a wide variety of environments, ranging from the hallowed halls of classical literature to the chaotic comment sections of YouTube. In literature and film, 'cursed' is a staple of the fantasy and horror genres. Think of the 'cursed' pirate gold in *Pirates of the Caribbean* or the 'cursed' ring in *The Lord of the Rings*. In these stories, the word is used with gravity and serves as a primary plot driver. It creates a sense of stakes and inevitability. Similarly, in historical documentaries, you might hear about the 'Curse of the Pharaohs,' referring to the belief that those who opened the tombs of ancient Egyptian royalty would suffer great misfortune. Here, the word is used to discuss superstition and cultural myths.

In Pop Culture
Movies and TV shows often use 'cursed' to establish a supernatural premise. It's a quick way to tell the audience that the rules of reality don't apply to a certain object or place.

The horror movie featured a cursed videotape that killed anyone who watched it within seven days.

On Social Media
This is where the 'cursed image' meme lives. Users share photos that are 'cursed' because they are inexplicable, low-quality, or slightly terrifying in a funny way.

The subreddit for cursed comments is full of people saying the most unhinged things imaginable.

In the world of sports, 'cursed' is used to describe teams or players who consistently fail to win despite having talent. The 'Curse of the Bambino' (affecting the Boston Red Sox) and the 'Curse of the Billy Goat' (affecting the Chicago Cubs) are famous examples in American baseball history. Fans use the word to explain away decades of disappointment, giving a supernatural narrative to what might just be statistical variance or poor management. In this context, 'cursed' is a way for communities to bond over shared struggle. You'll also hear it in gaming, where a 'cursed' item might have great stats but also a negative effect that makes it difficult to use, or a 'cursed' level might be notoriously difficult or glitchy.

Fans began to wonder if the stadium was cursed after the team lost their tenth home game in a row.

In Everyday Speech
People use it to vent about minor inconveniences that feel personal. It's a way of saying 'Why me?' with a bit of poetic drama.

This cursed printer jams every single time I have an important deadline.

The protagonist in the novel felt cursed by his own intelligence, which made it hard for him to relate to others.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word 'cursed' is confusing it with the verb 'cursing.' While they share the same root, 'cursing' almost always refers to the act of using profanity or 'swearing.' If you say, 'He was cursed,' you mean he was under a spell or had bad luck. If you say, 'He was cursing,' you mean he was saying bad words because he was angry. Mixing these up can lead to significant misunderstandings. For instance, 'The cursed man' is a man with a tragic fate, while 'The cursing man' is a man who needs to watch his language. Another common error is using 'cursed' when 'unlucky' would be more appropriate. 'Cursed' implies a much deeper, more permanent, or supernatural level of misfortune. Using it for a minor slip-up can sound overly dramatic unless you are intentionally using hyperbole.

Confusing Cursed vs. Cursing
Remember: 'Cursed' is an adjective (state of being), while 'cursing' is a present participle/gerund (the action of swearing or casting a spell).

Incorrect: He was cursed at the traffic. Correct: He was cursing at the traffic.

Overusing the Slang Meaning
In professional or academic writing, avoid using 'cursed' to mean 'weird' or 'unsettling.' Stick to its traditional definitions of being under a spell or suffering great misfortune.

Incorrect (in an essay): The economic data was cursed. Correct: The economic data was anomalous and concerning.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the word 'accursed.' While 'accursed' and 'cursed' are synonyms, 'accursed' is much more formal and archaic. Using 'accursed' in a casual conversation about a 'cursed image' would sound very strange. Similarly, don't confuse 'cursed' with 'crusty.' While both can be used as insults in slang, 'crusty' refers to something old, dirty, or low-quality, whereas 'cursed' refers to something that is fundamentally disturbing. Finally, be careful with the word 'hexed.' A 'hex' is a specific type of spell, usually smaller in scale than a 'curse.' You might be hexed by a rival, but a whole family is usually cursed. Understanding these subtle differences in scale and tone will make your English sound much more natural.

The cursed object was hidden in the basement, away from prying eyes.

Adverb Confusion
The adverb form 'cursedly' is very rare. Usually, people say 'in a cursed manner' or use a different adverb like 'terribly' or 'horribly.'

She felt cursed by her inability to remember names at parties.

The team’s cursed season finally ended with a surprising victory in the last game.

Depending on whether you are using 'cursed' in its traditional sense or its modern slang sense, there are several alternatives you can use to add variety to your vocabulary. If you mean 'under a spell,' you might use 'hexed,' 'jinxed,' or 'bewitched.' 'Hexed' usually implies a specific, often minor, magical attack. 'Jinxed' is much more casual and is often used for bad luck that seems to follow a person or object without a heavy supernatural weight. 'Bewitched' can be negative, but it often has a romantic or enchanting connotation, suggesting someone is under a spell of attraction. For the more intense, permanent sense of 'cursed,' 'damned' or 'doomed' are strong choices. 'Damned' has a heavy religious weight, implying eternal punishment, while 'doomed' suggests an inescapable, tragic end.

Cursed vs. Jinxed
A 'curse' is a heavy, often ancient burden. A 'jinx' is a lighter, often temporary streak of bad luck. You jinx yourself by saying something out loud; you are cursed by a witch.

I don't want to jinx it, but I think we might actually win this game.

Cursed vs. Uncanny
In the modern slang sense, 'uncanny' is a great alternative. It refers to something that is strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way. 'Cursed' is more visceral, while 'uncanny' is more psychological.

The robot's face was so realistic that it felt uncanny and a bit creepy.

When describing a person who has bad luck, you could use 'ill-fated,' 'hapless,' or 'unfortunate.' 'Ill-fated' is poetic and suggests a tragic destiny. 'Hapless' implies a person who is unlucky and perhaps a bit incompetent or helpless. 'Unfortunate' is the most neutral and common term for general bad luck. In the context of the internet 'cursed' aesthetic, you might also see words like 'disturbing,' 'grotesque,' or 'surreal.' 'Grotesque' focuses on physical deformity or ugliness that is shocking. 'Surreal' focuses on the dream-like, illogical nature of the thing. Choosing the right word depends on which aspect of 'cursed' you want to emphasize: the bad luck, the magic, or the sheer weirdness.

The ill-fated ship set sail despite the warnings of a coming storm.

Cursed vs. Accursed
'Accursed' is the older, more formal sibling. It sounds like something a character in a Shakespeare play or a gothic novel would say. Use it for maximum dramatic effect.

'Begone from this accursed place!' the hermit shouted at the travelers.

The surreal landscape of the painting made me feel slightly dizzy.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In the Middle Ages, being 'cursed' was a legal and religious reality. A person who was cursed (excommunicated) could be shunned by society and denied a Christian burial. The modern slang use for 'weird images' only started around 2015-2016 on social media platforms.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kɜːst/
US /kɜːrst/
The stress is on the only syllable: CURSED.
Reimt sich auf
burst first worst thirst versed immersed rehearsed dispersed
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing it as two syllables (cur-sed) in normal conversation.
  • Confusing the 'ed' sound with a 'd' sound instead of a 't' sound.
  • Forgetting the 'r' sound in American English.
  • Misplacing the stress in the archaic two-syllable version.
  • Using the pronunciation of 'cursing' for the adjective.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in stories, but slang meaning requires context.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires careful use to avoid sounding too dramatic or informal.

Sprechen 3/5

Common in casual speech; pronunciation is straightforward.

Hören 3/5

Easily understood in movies and online videos.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

bad luck magic scary weird

Als Nächstes lernen

unsettling uncanny superstition misfortune destined

Fortgeschritten

malediction anathema execrable hapless ill-omened

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Order

The scary, old, cursed house (Opinion, Age, Quality).

Predicate Adjectives

The painting is cursed (Adjective follows a linking verb).

Passive Voice with 'By'

He was cursed by a powerful wizard.

Participle Adjectives

A cursing man (active) vs. A cursed man (passive/state).

Hyphenated Adjectives

A cursed-looking creature (Adjective + Participle).

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

The witch said the prince was cursed.

La sorcière a dit que le prince était maudit.

Simple subject + verb + adjective structure.

2

I have bad luck; I am cursed!

J'ai de la malchance ; je suis maudit !

Exclamatory sentence using 'cursed' as a predicate adjective.

3

Do not go into the cursed house.

N'entre pas dans la maison maudite.

Adjective 'cursed' before the noun 'house'.

4

The cursed cat has red eyes.

Le chat maudit a les yeux rouges.

Using 'cursed' to describe a scary animal.

5

Is this a cursed book?

Est-ce un livre maudit ?

Question form with 'cursed'.

6

The gold is cursed, so don't touch it.

L'or est maudit, alors ne le touche pas.

Using 'cursed' to explain a warning.

7

He felt cursed because he lost his keys.

Il se sentait maudit parce qu'il avait perdu ses clés.

Verb 'felt' followed by the adjective 'cursed'.

8

It was a cursed day for the team.

C'était une journée maudite pour l'équipe.

Describing a period of time (a day) as cursed.

1

The old legend says the island is cursed.

La vieille légende dit que l'île est maudite.

Reporting a belief using 'says' + clause.

2

She believes her family is cursed with bad luck.

Elle croit que sa famille est maudite par la malchance.

Passive-like structure: 'cursed with [something]'.

3

He found a cursed ring in the forest.

Il a trouvé une bague maudite dans la forêt.

Simple past tense with an attributive adjective.

4

The cursed painting seemed to move its eyes.

Le tableau maudit semblait bouger les yeux.

Subject is a specific object ('the cursed painting').

5

Everything he touches feels cursed today.

Tout ce qu'il touche semble maudit aujourd'hui.

Using 'feels' to describe a subjective experience.

6

The movie is about a cursed car that drives itself.

Le film parle d'une voiture maudite qui se conduit toute seule.

Describing the plot of a movie.

7

People stay away from the cursed well.

Les gens s'éloignent du puits maudit.

Using 'cursed' to justify an action ('stay away').

8

The cursed treasure brought only trouble.

Le trésor maudit n'a apporté que des ennuis.

Showing cause and effect.

1

I saw a cursed image of a dog with human hands.

J'ai vu une image maudite d'un chien avec des mains humaines.

Modern slang usage for unsettling media.

2

The project seemed cursed; every time we fixed one bug, two more appeared.

Le projet semblait maudit ; chaque fois que nous corrigions un bug, deux autres apparaissaient.

Using 'cursed' to describe a frustrating work situation.

3

Is the number thirteen really cursed, or is it just a superstition?

Le chiffre treize est-il vraiment maudit, ou est-ce juste une superstition ?

Comparing a 'curse' to 'superstition'.

4

He felt cursed by his past mistakes.

Il se sentait maudit par ses erreurs passées.

Figurative use: being 'cursed' by one's own actions.

5

That abandoned mall has a very cursed vibe.

Ce centre commercial abandonné a une ambiance très maudite.

Slang: 'cursed vibe' to describe an atmosphere.

6

The explorer was warned about the cursed tomb.

L'explorateur a été prévenu au sujet de la tombe maudite.

Passive voice: 'was warned about'.

7

I'm cursed with a terrible memory for names.

Je suis maudit par une mémoire terrible pour les noms.

Common idiom: 'cursed with [a negative trait]'.

8

The villagers believed the drought was a cursed punishment.

Les villageois croyaient que la sécheresse était une punition maudite.

Noun phrase: 'a cursed punishment'.

1

The film's production was famously cursed, leading to numerous accidents on set.

La production du film était notoirement maudite, ce qui a entraîné de nombreux accidents sur le plateau.

Adverb 'famously' modifying the adjective 'cursed'.

2

She posted a cursed video that was both hilarious and deeply disturbing.

Elle a posté une vidéo maudite qui était à la fois hilarante et profondément dérangeante.

Using 'cursed' to describe the duality of internet humor.

3

The protagonist is a cursed figure, destined to lose everything he loves.

Le protagoniste est une figure maudite, destinée à perdre tout ce qu'il aime.

Literary description of a character's fate.

4

Some athletes are convinced that certain jerseys are cursed.

Certains athlètes sont convaincus que certains maillots sont maudits.

Describing sports superstitions.

5

The atmosphere in the room became cursed as soon as he started his speech.

L'atmosphère dans la pièce est devenue maudite dès qu'il a commencé son discours.

Describing a sudden change in social atmosphere.

6

He described the abandoned hospital as a 'cursed playground' for urban explorers.

Il a décrit l'hôpital abandonné comme un 'terrain de jeu maudit' pour les explorateurs urbains.

Using a metaphorical phrase in quotes.

7

The family felt cursed by a legacy of debt and misfortune.

La famille se sentait maudite par un héritage de dettes et de malheurs.

Figurative use in a social/economic context.

8

The cursed object was locked away in a high-security vault.

L'objet maudit a été enfermé dans un coffre-fort de haute sécurité.

Passive voice with a specific location.

1

The novel explores the psychological toll of living in a cursed society.

Le roman explore le coût psychologique de la vie dans une société maudite.

Using 'cursed' to describe a systemic or societal condition.

2

The artist's work is often described as 'cursed' due to its unsettling imagery.

L'œuvre de l'artiste est souvent décrite comme 'maudite' en raison de son imagerie dérangeante.

Art criticism context.

3

He spoke of a cursed inheritance that brought more grief than wealth.

Il a parlé d'un héritage maudit qui a apporté plus de chagrin que de richesse.

Describing a complex situation involving wealth and emotion.

4

The 'cursed image' subculture reflects a modern fascination with the grotesque.

La sous-culture de l'image maudite reflète une fascination moderne pour le grotesque.

Sociological analysis of internet trends.

5

The ancient text was said to be cursed, driving its readers to madness.

On disait que le texte ancien était maudit, poussant ses lecteurs à la folie.

Using 'said to be' to report a legend.

6

The city's cursed history is written in its crumbling monuments.

L'histoire maudite de la ville est écrite dans ses monuments en ruine.

Metaphorical use of 'cursed history'.

7

She felt cursed by her own talent, which isolated her from her peers.

Elle se sentait maudite par son propre talent, qui l'isolait de ses pairs.

Exploring the 'curse' of being gifted.

8

The cursed artifact was eventually returned to its place of origin.

L'artéfact maudit a finalement été rendu à son lieu d'origine.

Narrative conclusion using 'eventually'.

1

The play's cursed reputation preceded it, making many actors hesitant to join the cast.

La réputation maudite de la pièce la précédait, rendant de nombreux acteurs hésitants à rejoindre la troupe.

Complex sentence with a participle phrase ('making many actors...').

2

He navigated the cursed corridors of the labyrinth, his mind fraying with every turn.

Il parcourait les couloirs maudits du labyrinthe, son esprit s'effilochant à chaque tournant.

Evocative, literary prose.

3

The 'cursed' aesthetic serves as a visceral rejection of the curated perfection of social media.

L'esthétique 'maudite' sert de rejet viscéral de la perfection calibrée des réseaux sociaux.

High-level cultural commentary.

4

She was cursed with a prescience that allowed her to see tragedies before they occurred.

Elle était maudite par une prescience qui lui permettait de voir les tragédies avant qu'elles ne se produisent.

Describing a supernatural burden.

5

The cursed silence of the tundra was broken only by the howling of the wind.

Le silence maudit de la toundra n'était rompu que par le hurlement du vent.

Using 'cursed' to describe a profound, unsettling silence.

6

The philosopher argued that humanity is cursed by its own awareness of mortality.

Le philosophe a soutenu que l'humanité est maudite par sa propre conscience de la mortalité.

Abstract philosophical application.

7

The cursed lineage of the kings finally came to an end with the death of the childless monarch.

La lignée maudite des rois a finalement pris fin avec la mort du monarque sans enfant.

Historical/literary narrative style.

8

The cursed object's influence permeated every aspect of their lives, leading to a slow decay of their sanity.

L'influence de l'objet maudit imprégnait chaque aspect de leur vie, menant à une lente décomposition de leur santé mentale.

Describing a pervasive, negative influence.

Häufige Kollokationen

cursed image
cursed object
cursed land
cursed bloodline
cursed energy
cursed with
cursed luck
cursed fate
cursed place
cursed treasure

Häufige Phrasen

I'm cursed.

— A dramatic way to say you are having a lot of bad luck. It is usually used humorously.

I missed the bus and dropped my phone; I'm cursed!

Cursed image.

— An unsettling or weird photo that makes the viewer feel uncomfortable. It is a popular internet term.

That photo of a cake made of meat is a total cursed image.

Cursed energy.

— A bad or creepy 'vibe' coming from a person, place, or thing. It suggests something is 'off.'

This empty playground at night has so much cursed energy.

The cursed [something].

— Used to label something that is notoriously difficult or problematic.

We finally finished the cursed group project.

Cursed with bad luck.

— A standard way to describe someone who consistently experiences misfortune.

He seems cursed with bad luck in every relationship.

A cursed life.

— A life filled with tragedy and suffering, often suggesting it was destined to be that way.

The poet lived a cursed life but wrote beautiful verses.

Cursed ground.

— Land that is believed to be haunted or under a spell, often where no plants grow.

They built the house on cursed ground, and now it's haunted.

Cursed by [someone].

— To have a spell or ill-will placed upon you by a specific person.

The king was cursed by the sorceress he betrayed.

Cursed from the start.

— Something that was destined to fail from its very beginning.

The business was cursed from the start because of poor planning.

Cursed video.

— A video that is disturbing, glitchy, or creepy, often shared on social media.

Don't watch that cursed video; it will give you nightmares.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

cursed vs cursing

Cursing is the action of swearing; cursed is the state of being under a spell.

cursed vs crusty

Crusty means old/dirty; cursed means unsettling/creepy.

cursed vs coarse

Coarse means rough in texture or rude; cursed means unlucky or weird.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Cursed with a gift"

— Having a talent or ability that brings more trouble or isolation than happiness.

He was cursed with a gift for seeing the future.

literary
"The curse of [something]"

— A common way to describe a specific recurring problem in a field or for a person.

The curse of knowledge makes it hard to explain simple things to beginners.

neutral
"Cursed be..."

— An old-fashioned way to wish bad luck or punishment on someone or something.

Cursed be the man who moves these stones!

archaic
"A blessing and a curse"

— Something that has both very good and very bad consequences.

Fame is both a blessing and a curse.

neutral
"Break the curse"

— To end a long period of bad luck or a supernatural spell.

The team finally won the championship and broke the curse.

neutral
"Cursed to repeat"

— Destined to do the same thing over and over again, usually something bad.

Those who do not learn from history are cursed to repeat it.

formal
"Under a curse"

— Being currently affected by a magical spell or a streak of bad luck.

The whole village felt like it was under a curse during the famine.

neutral
"Cursed from birth"

— Having bad luck or a difficult life since the very beginning.

The tragic hero felt he was cursed from birth.

literary
"Cursed with beauty"

— An idiom suggesting that being very attractive has led to unwanted attention or problems.

She felt cursed with beauty because no one took her intellect seriously.

neutral
"The cursed hour"

— A specific time of day, often late at night, when bad things are thought to happen.

He always wakes up at the cursed hour of 3:00 AM.

informal

Leicht verwechselbar

cursed vs hexed

Both involve magic.

A hex is usually a specific, smaller spell. A curse is often larger, longer-lasting, or more serious.

She hexed him with a cough, but the family was cursed with poverty.

cursed vs jinxed

Both involve bad luck.

Jinxing is often accidental and temporary. Cursing is more intentional and heavy.

I jinxed the game by cheering too early, but the team felt cursed for years.

cursed vs doomed

Both suggest a bad end.

Doomed focuses on the inevitable result (death/failure). Cursed focuses on the cause (magic/luck).

The cursed ship was doomed to sink in the storm.

cursed vs unlucky

Both mean bad things happen.

Unlucky is random chance. Cursed implies a reason or a supernatural force.

He was unlucky to lose his job, but he felt cursed when his house also burned down.

cursed vs creepy

Both describe unsettling things.

Creepy is a general feeling of fear. Cursed (in slang) is a specific kind of 'wrong' or 'absurd' creepiness.

The clown was creepy, but the photo of the clown eating a raw onion was cursed.

Satzmuster

A1

The [noun] is cursed.

The doll is cursed.

A2

He found a cursed [noun].

He found a cursed coin.

B1

I am cursed with [noun].

I am cursed with bad luck.

B2

The [noun] has a cursed vibe.

The kitchen has a cursed vibe.

C1

It was a cursed [noun] from the start.

It was a cursed endeavor from the start.

C2

The [noun] was preceded by its cursed reputation.

The play was preceded by its cursed reputation.

B1

That is a cursed [noun].

That is a cursed image.

B2

The [noun] felt cursed by [noun].

The family felt cursed by their history.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

curse (the spell itself)
curser (one who curses)
cursedness (the state of being cursed)

Verben

curse (to place a curse or to swear)

Adjektive

cursed (afflicted)
accursed (formally cursed)
curseless (without a curse)

Verwandt

malediction
hex
jinx
spell
misfortune

So verwendest du es

frequency

High in digital media and fiction; medium in everyday speech.

Häufige Fehler
  • I was cursed at him. I was cursing at him.

    You use 'cursing' for the action of swearing. 'Cursed' is an adjective or the past tense of casting a spell.

  • The curst house. The cursed house.

    'Curst' is an archaic spelling. In modern English, always use 'cursed.'

  • He is a cursedly person. He is a cursed person.

    'Cursedly' is an adverb and cannot describe a person directly. Use the adjective 'cursed.'

  • That image is so cursedly. That image is so cursed.

    Again, use the adjective form after 'is' to describe the subject.

  • I am cursed with a good job. I am blessed with a good job.

    'Cursed' is only for negative things. For positive things, use 'blessed.'

Tipps

Use for Drama

Use 'cursed' when you want to add a bit of drama or humor to a story about bad luck. It makes the situation sound more interesting than just saying 'unlucky.'

Internet Context

When browsing social media, look for 'cursed images' to understand the modern, weird sense of the word. It's a great way to learn contemporary English humor.

Adjective vs. Verb

Remember that 'He cursed' (verb) means he swore or cast a spell, while 'He is cursed' (adjective) describes his unfortunate state.

Synonym Choice

Choose 'ill-fated' for tragic stories and 'cursed' for scary or weird ones. This helps you match the tone of your writing to the subject.

One Syllable

Stick to the one-syllable pronunciation in 99% of cases. The two-syllable version is very rare and usually only for dramatic effect in literature.

Common Pairs

Learn common pairs like 'cursed object' and 'cursed luck.' This will make your English sound more natural and fluent.

Sports Talk

If you are talking about sports, 'cursed' is a very common way to describe teams that haven't won in a long time. It's a great conversation starter.

Avoid Overuse

Don't call everything 'cursed' or it loses its power. Save it for things that are truly strange or very unlucky.

Vibe Check

Using 'cursed energy' is a very modern way to describe a bad feeling. Use it with friends to sound up-to-date with current slang.

Genre Clues

If you see 'cursed' in a book title, expect a story involving horror, fantasy, or a very tragic protagonist.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'CURSE' as a 'PURSE' full of bad luck. If you are 'CURSED,' you are carrying that heavy purse everywhere you go.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a dark, rainy cloud following a single person while everyone else is in the sunshine. That person is cursed.

Word Web

Witch Bad Luck Unsettling Meme Spell Ghost Tragedy Creepy

Herausforderung

Try to find three 'cursed' objects in your house (things that are broken or weird) and describe them to a friend using the word.

Wortherkunft

The word 'cursed' comes from the Old English 'cursian,' which means to wish evil upon or to excommunicate. Its exact origin before Old English is unknown, which is quite rare for such a common word. Some scholars believe it might be related to the 'cross' (Latin 'crux'), implying a connection to the crucifixion or being 'crossed' out.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To be under a formal ecclesiastical sentence of excommunication or to be the object of a prayer for evil.

Germanic (Old English)

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful using 'cursed' in religious contexts, as it can be a very strong and offensive word for some believers. In slang, it is generally safe but can be seen as immature in professional settings.

In the US and UK, 'cursed' is frequently used in horror movies and Halloween traditions. It is also a common way to complain about technology.

The Curse of the Black Pearl (Pirates of the Caribbean) The Cursed Child (Harry Potter play) Cursed Images (Internet meme subculture)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Horror Movies

  • The cursed videotape
  • A cursed doll
  • The house is cursed
  • Break the curse

Internet Memes

  • Cursed image
  • Cursed energy
  • That's so cursed
  • Blursed content

Sports

  • A cursed franchise
  • The curse is broken
  • Cursed with injuries
  • A cursed stadium

Personal Life

  • I'm cursed today
  • Cursed with bad luck
  • My luck is cursed
  • A cursed day

Literature

  • A cursed protagonist
  • Cursed bloodline
  • An accursed fate
  • The cursed crown

Gesprächseinstiege

"Do you believe that some objects can actually be cursed?"

"What is the most 'cursed' image you have ever seen on the internet?"

"Do you have a 'cursed' item in your house that always seems to cause trouble?"

"Which sports team do you think is the most cursed in history?"

"If you were a character in a movie, what kind of curse would you have?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a day where everything went wrong and you felt cursed.

Describe a 'cursed' setting for a horror story you would like to write.

Reflect on the difference between being 'unlucky' and being 'cursed.'

Explain why you think 'cursed images' are so popular on the internet today.

Imagine you found a cursed treasure. What would you do with it?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'cursed' is not a swear word. However, the verb 'to curse' can mean to use swear words. The adjective 'cursed' simply describes someone with bad luck or something unsettling. It is safe to use in most situations.

It is generally too dramatic for a professional email. Instead of saying 'This project is cursed,' you should say 'This project has faced many unexpected challenges' or 'We have encountered several setbacks.'

A 'cursed image' is a photo that is strange, unsettling, or illogical. It often has low quality and makes the viewer feel a bit uncomfortable or confused. It is a popular internet meme format.

In modern English, it is one syllable: /kɜːrst/ (rhymes with 'first'). In very old poetry or religious texts, it might be two syllables: /ˈkɜːrsɪd/ (cur-sed).

'Accursed' is a more formal and old-fashioned version of 'cursed.' You would use 'accursed' in a story about ancient legends, but you would use 'cursed' in everyday conversation.

'Cursed' is much stronger than 'unlucky.' If you lose your pen, you are unlucky. If every pen you buy breaks within five minutes, you might say you are cursed.

Yes, in stories and in figurative speech. A person can be 'cursed with bad luck' or 'cursed with a difficult life.' It means they have a lot of problems that don't seem to stop.

It is a slang term for a bad or creepy 'vibe.' If a place makes you feel uneasy or if a person is acting very strange, you might say they have 'cursed energy.'

'Cursed' is the past tense of the verb 'to curse,' but it is most commonly used as an adjective to describe a state of being (e.g., 'the cursed house').

The most common opposite is 'blessed.' In internet slang, the opposite of 'cursed' is often 'wholesome' (meaning pure and good).

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Describe a 'cursed image' you have seen or can imagine.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a short story about a character who finds a cursed object.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain why a sports team might be considered 'cursed'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Compare the words 'cursed' and 'unlucky'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a dialogue between two friends where one thinks they are cursed.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a 'cursed' setting for a movie.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

What does 'cursed energy' mean to you? Give an example.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a formal paragraph about the 'Curse of the Pharaohs'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

How has the meaning of 'cursed' changed with the internet?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a time you felt 'cursed' with bad luck.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a warning sign for a cursed forest.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain the idiom 'a blessing and a curse'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a 'cursed' meal you saw online.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a poem about a cursed king.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

How can someone 'break a curse' in a story?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Is the number 13 cursed? Give your opinion.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe the 'cursed vibe' of an abandoned building.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a review of a movie about a cursed object.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

What are the dangers of a 'cursed treasure'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Discuss the use of 'cursed' in modern slang vs. traditional literature.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Talk about a time you felt 'cursed' with bad luck for a minute.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a 'cursed' object from a movie you've seen.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain the concept of a 'cursed image' to someone who doesn't know it.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss whether you believe in curses or if it's just superstition.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Tell a short spooky story using the word 'cursed' three times.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe the 'cursed vibe' of a place you have visited.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Debate: Is social media 'cursed' for our mental health?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce 'cursed' in its one-syllable and two-syllable forms.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Roleplay: You are a wizard warning someone about a cursed treasure.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain the phrase 'a blessing and a curse' using an example from your life.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a 'cursed' meal you would never want to eat.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Talk about a 'cursed' sports team and why they have that reputation.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss the 'cursed' aesthetic in modern art.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

What would you do if you found a 'cursed' ring?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

How do you feel when you see a 'cursed image'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Talk about the 'cursed' history of a famous landmark.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain why 'cursed' is a popular word on the internet.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a 'cursed' day you had recently.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss the psychological impact of 'cursed' media.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Tell a friend about a 'cursed' video you saw online.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a description of a haunted house and count how many times 'cursed' is used.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a podcast about internet memes and identify the definition of 'cursed image'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a movie trailer and identify if the plot involves a 'cursed' object.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a sports commentator talk about a 'cursed' team and explain the reason.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a poem being read and identify the two-syllable pronunciation of 'cursed'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a conversation about bad luck and identify the hyperbolic use of 'cursed'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a documentary clip about Egypt and identify the 'Curse of the Pharaohs'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a friend describe a 'cursed' situation and summarize it.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a list of synonyms and identify which one is 'cursed'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to an interview with an artist and identify their 'cursed' influences.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a ghost story and identify the 'cursed' element.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a discussion on 'cursed energy' and explain what it refers to.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a warning about a 'cursed' forest and list the rules.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a news report about a 'cursed' project and identify the setbacks.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a philosophical lecture and identify the 'curse of awareness'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
error correction

He was cursed at the driver.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: He was cursing at the driver.
error correction

The curst painting was scary.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: The cursed painting was scary.
error correction

I am cursedly with bad luck.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: I am cursed with bad luck.
error correction

That is a cursedly image.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: That is a cursed image.
error correction

She cursed the day she met him.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: She cursed the day she met him. (Correct - Verb use)
error correction

The house is cursed by ghosts.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: The house is cursed by ghosts. (Correct - Adjective use)
error correction

He has a cursedly life.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: He has a cursed life.
error correction

I jinxed it, I am cursed!

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: I jinxed it, I am cursed! (Correct - Informal use)
error correction

The witch cursedly the man.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: The witch cursed the man.
error correction

It was a cursedly situation.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: It was a cursed situation.

/ 200 correct

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