asshole
High (in informal/vulgar contexts)Vulgar, Highly Informal, Offensive
Definition
Meaning
A profoundly contemptible, annoying, or stupid person.
Can refer to the anus; used to describe a situation or place that is unpleasant or oppressive.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a term of personal insult. Its literal anatomical meaning (anus) is still current but less frequent in modern casual use than the figurative sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'arsehole' is the standard spelling and pronunciation. 'Asshole' is the American form and is recognized but less common in the UK.
Connotations
Equally strong and offensive in both dialects. The American 'asshole' is globally recognized due to media.
Frequency
Equally frequent in informal speech in both dialects, with the respective spelling/pronunciation prevailing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be an assholeact like an assholecall someone an assholedon't be an assholeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “asshole buddy (vulgar, military slang for a close friend)”
- “tight as an asshole's fist (vulgar, meaning very stingy)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare and highly unprofessional; could constitute harassment.
Academic
Never used in formal writing or discourse.
Everyday
Common in very casual, often confrontational speech among peers. Avoid with strangers, superiors, or in polite company.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He spent the whole meeting arseholing about with the projector.
American English
- He just assholed his way through the negotiation, insulting everyone.
adverb
British English
- He behaved arseholishly, ignoring all the queue.
American English
- He parked assholishly across two spaces.
adjective
British English
- That was an absolutely arsehole thing to say.
American English
- He has such an asshole attitude about everything.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is not nice. He is an asshole.
- I don't like that asshole.
- My neighbour can be a real asshole about parking.
- Why are you being such an asshole today?
- The manager was a complete asshole during the review, offering no constructive feedback.
- It's one thing to be firm, but you don't have to be an asshole about it.
- His asshole behaviour, a blend of narcissism and petty condescension, alienated the entire department.
- The policy wasn't just flawed; it was conceptually asshole, designed to frustrate the most vulnerable applicants.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a donkey (an ASS) stuck in a HOLE — it's being stupid and stubborn, causing problems for everyone.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A (WORTHLESS/DIRTY) BODY PART.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'задница' (zadnitsa), which means 'buttocks' but is not a direct insult. The closer Russian insult is 'мудак' (mudak) or 'жопа' (zhopa) in some contexts, but these have different cultural frequencies and connotations.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as 'ashole' or 'ashole'. Using it in formal contexts. Overusing it dilutes its impact.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would using the word 'asshole' be MOST acceptable?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered a strong vulgarity and profanity in English.
'Jerk' is milder and less vulgar. 'Asshole' implies a deeper, more contemptible character flaw and is much more offensive.
Yes, among very close friends who share that level of informality, it can be used jokingly (e.g., 'You ate my pizza, you asshole!'), but context and relationship are critical.
No, 'arsehole' is the standard British English spelling. 'Asshole' is the standard American English spelling.