about "cause"

[chance22]

When in oral English, I often hear people say "cause" as short for "because". But is it proper for me to write it down just using "cause" instead of 'cause? Or is it better for me to write it down as "cuz"? I'm not quite sure about this. Hope you can help me.

 

[emsr2d2]

When in oral English, I often hear people say "cause" as short for "because". But is it proper for me to write it down just using "cause" instead of 'cause? Or is it better for me to write it down as "cuz"? I'm not quite sure about this. Hope you can help me.

In proper written English, you should use "because". The contraction is normally spoken. If you are reporting verbatim speech, then you may need to write the contraction.

In the UK, it is normally written "cos".

"I went shopping cos I wanted to buy a new dress."

If I saw "cuz", I would think it was a contraction/endearment for "cousin". "How's it going, cuz?"

 

[Raymott]

Note, this doesn't happen everywhere. It's common on the 'net but, at least in Aus, people normally say "because".
Why this particular word has lent itself to a 'cute' variant is unclear. It's never right in writing unless you're quoting. Even then, it's best written 'cause, with an apostrophe.

 

[chance22]

Thank Raymott and emsr2d2 for the explanation. Now it's clear.