asshat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowVulgar, Colloquial, Slang
Quick answer
What does “asshat” mean?
A contemptibly foolish, self-absorbed, or obnoxious person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A contemptibly foolish, self-absorbed, or obnoxious person.
An insult used to denigrate someone's character, intelligence, or behaviour, implying a combination of stupidity and arrogance such that they are 'like a hat for an ass'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is originally and predominantly American, but is understood and used in the UK, especially online/influenced by US media. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In the US, it has wide recognition in internet and popular culture. In the UK, it may still be perceived as an Americanism.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English. In the UK, similar vulgar insults (e.g., 'arsehole', 'wanker', 'pillock') are more common.
Grammar
How to Use “asshat” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + asshatbe + an asshatcall + someone + an asshatVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asshat” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He made such an asshat comment on the forum.
- That was an asshat move, parking there.
American English
- Don't be so asshat about it.
- His asshat behaviour got him kicked out of the bar.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate; would be considered deeply unprofessional.
Academic
Completely inappropriate; not used in academic discourse.
Everyday
Used in very informal settings among friends, or as a vehement insult. Common in online commentary and arguments.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asshat”
- Misspelling as 'ash hat' or 'ashat'.
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Overusing it and diluting its impact as a strong insult.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered vulgar and offensive, though its intensity can vary by region and social group. It is stronger than 'jerk' but often seen as slightly more humorous/descriptive than some other vulgar epithets.
Yes, among close friends in a very informal setting, it can be used in a jocular, teasing manner (e.g., 'You forgot the drinks, you asshat!'), but caution is advised as it can easily cause offence.
It functions almost exclusively as a noun (e.g., 'He is an asshat'). Occasionally, it is used attributively as an adjective (e.g., 'asshat behaviour'), but this is less common.
It is American slang that emerged in the late 20th century, gaining significant popularity through internet culture and shows like 'South Park'. It is a compound of the vulgar 'ass' and 'hat'.
A contemptibly foolish, self-absorbed, or obnoxious person.
Asshat is usually vulgar, colloquial, slang in register.
Asshat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæs.hæt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæs.hæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(there's) no cure for being an asshat”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone so foolish they try to wear a hat on their rear end (ass). That's an 'asshat'—a person whose head belongs where a hat sits on an ass.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A BODY PART. A foolish person's head is metaphorically displaced to a low, worthless, or ridiculous part of the body (the buttocks).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'asshat' be LEAST appropriate?