Answers for Daily #1

First moves

5 words are one letter away from WUSS.

BUSS

noun A kiss.

CUSS

verb To use cursing, to use bad language, to speak profanely.

FUSS

noun Excessive activity, worry, bother, or talk about something.

MUSS

verb To rumple, tousle or make (something) untidy.

PUSS

noun A cat.

Quickest dead end

WUSS → CUSS → CUSP

Once the words before it are used, nobody can change CUSP: a dead end, worth 3 extra points.