Crossword Genius

Swear about male's habits (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

customs

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'habits' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'swear about male's' is the wordplay.
'swear' becomes 'cuss' (synonyms).
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'male' becomes 'tom' (tom can mean a male cat).
'cuss' placed around 'tom' is 'CUSTOMS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for customs that I've seen before include "Accepted practices" , "Habits or import taxes" , "Import duties" , "Traditions" , "state's duties?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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