asses: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to Vulgar (for buttocks/fool meaning); Neutral/Formal (for donkey meaning).
Quick answer
What does “asses” mean?
The plural form of 'ass', referring to either 1) a donkey, or 2) (slang, vulgar) a person's buttocks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'ass', referring to either 1) a donkey, or 2) (slang, vulgar) a person's buttocks.
Can also be used as a vulgar slang term for foolish or contemptible people (plural of 'ass' meaning a foolish person).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'ass' (animal) is rare; 'donkey' is standard. The vulgar term for buttocks is almost exclusively American; British English uses 'arse'. Therefore, 'asses' (buttocks) is primarily American. The 'foolish person' meaning is common in both.
Connotations
In the UK, 'asses' (pronounced /ˈæsɪz/) will likely be understood as the plural of the animal or the foolish person. In the US, the primary connotation is vulgar slang for buttocks.
Frequency
Very low frequency in formal contexts. Higher in informal American English for the vulgar meaning. The animal plural is low frequency in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “asses” in a Sentence
[VERB] + our/their/your + asses (e.g., move your asses)[ADJECTIVE] + asses (e.g., dumb asses)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate except in very casual, non-professional settings. 'We need to cover our asses on this contract.' (Informal/vulgar).
Academic
Only in specific contexts (e.g., zoology, literature discussing vulgarity). Otherwise avoided.
Everyday
Common in informal American speech for the vulgar meaning. 'Get your asses in the car!'
Technical
Rare. Could appear in zoological texts or historical documents referring to pack animals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asses”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asses”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asses”
- Misspelling as 'arses' (UK) or 'asess'.
- Using in formal writing.
- Mispronouncing to rhyme with 'classes' (it's /ˈæsɪz/).
- Overusing due to exposure to American media.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to buttocks or foolish people, it is informal and often vulgar. The animal meaning is not rude but is less common.
'Asses' is the American English vulgar term for buttocks. 'Arses' is the British English equivalent. Both can also mean 'fools'.
Almost never, unless you are directly quoting a source or conducting a linguistic/sociological analysis of vulgar language.
It is pronounced /ˈæsɪz/, rhyming with 'masses' and 'passes', not with 'classes'.
The plural form of 'ass', referring to either 1) a donkey, or 2) (slang, vulgar) a person's buttocks.
Asses is usually informal to vulgar (for buttocks/fool meaning); neutral/formal (for donkey meaning). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “haul ass”
- “kick ass”
- “a pain in the ass”
- “cover your ass”
- “make an ass of oneself”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Two S's in asses, like two donkeys or two sides of a butt.'
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A BEAST OF BURDEN (e.g., 'I worked my ass off'). STUPIDITY IS ANIMAL-LIKE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'asses' be considered LEAST appropriate?