ass
C1Informal to Very Informal / Vulgar
Definition
Meaning
A domestic animal of the horse family (Equus africanus asinus), known for its long ears and stubbornness; also, in North American slang, the buttocks or a foolish person.
Informally, it can refer to a person's backside, a contemptibly stupid person, or one who is the butt of ridicule. It can also appear in idioms to describe a tedious task, and in very informal contexts, to indicate emphasis or extreme qualities (e.g., "badass").
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This word has a strong register shift. The animal meaning is neutral/formal. The human/buttocks meaning is informal and often considered vulgar or offensive. Context is crucial for correct interpretation and politeness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'ass' is almost exclusively the animal ('donkey'). The buttocks are referred to as 'arse'. In American English, 'ass' is the primary word for buttocks and a foolish person; the animal is more commonly called a 'donkey'.
Connotations
UK: Neutral (animal), slightly archaic. US: Very strong, often vulgar connotations for the buttocks/fool meanings. Both dialects share the 'foolish/stubborn person' sense.
Frequency
In US informal speech, 'ass' is very frequent. In UK English, 'arse' is more common for the informal meanings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
make an ~ of oneselfwork one's ~ offbe a pain in the ~Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make an ass of oneself”
- “a pain in the ass”
- “kick ass”
- “work one's ass off”
- “chew someone's ass out”
- “haul ass”
- “tight-ass”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Strongly avoided in formal business contexts (except perhaps in very high-stakes, informal US settings: "cover your ass").
Academic
Appropriate only in historical/zoological contexts for the animal. Otherwise, completely avoided.
Everyday
Widely used in informal American English among peers. In British English, 'arse' is used equivalently. Requires careful judgment of social context.
Technical
Not used in technical writing, except zoology (Equus asinus).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was just assing about instead of working.
- Don't ass around, we're late!
American English
- He's always assing around in class.
- Stop assing about and get serious.
adverb
British English
- He fell ass over tit down the stairs.
American English
- The project went ass-backwards from the start.
adjective
British English
- He gave an ass-headed response.
- That was an ass move.
American English
- He's such an ass guy.
- Don't be so assy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The farmer has a donkey and an ass.
- He is as stubborn as an ass.
- He made an ass of himself at the party by telling bad jokes.
- Loading all those boxes was a real pain in the ass.
- My new manager is a complete ass who never listens to anyone.
- We worked our asses off to meet the deadline.
- The politician's latest gaffe was a spectacular act of making an ass of oneself on the international stage.
- Their strategy is completely ass-backwards; they're solving problems that don't exist.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
An ASS has two S's, just like your two cheeks. An ASS (donkey) can be stubborn and make an ASS (fool) of itself.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS AN OBJECT (backside as a thing). A PERSON IS AN ANIMAL (foolish/stubborn person as a donkey). A CHALLENGE/TASK IS A PAINFUL ASSAULT (pain in the ass). SUCCESS IS PHYSICAL DOMINATION (kick ass).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate directly from Russian 'осёл' (donkey) to 'ass' in a formal British context; use 'donkey'.
- Do not confuse the US slang with the British 'arse'.
- The Russian interjection 'Ась?' (huh?) is unrelated.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ass' in a formal UK context expecting it to be understood as 'arse'.
- Assuming the animal meaning is the primary one in American casual conversation.
- Overusing the word in non-native speech due to exposure to films/music, without sensing its offensiveness.
Practice
Quiz
In which dialect is 'ass' the standard, informal term for 'buttocks'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, when referring to a person or body part, it is considered a mild to moderate swear word, inappropriate in formal settings. In British English, 'ass' (animal) is not a swear word, but 'arse' is.
They refer to the same animal. 'Donkey' is the common, neutral term. 'Ass' is the more formal/zoological term, often used in biblical or literary contexts.
Absolutely not. It is far too informal and vulgar for any professional written communication. Use alternatives like 'excel', 'perform brilliantly', or 'succeed overwhelmingly'.
It's a historical pronunciation divergence. 'Arse' is the older form, preserved in UK English. In American English, 'arse' simplified to 'ass' in speech and spelling, influenced by the existing animal word.
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