barrel-ass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “barrel-ass” mean?
To move or drive recklessly and at high speed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move or drive recklessly and at high speed.
To proceed in a wild, uncontrolled, or dangerous manner, often with a sense of urgency or lack of care.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is predominantly American. In British English, equivalent concepts might use different slang, but 'barrel-ass' itself is very rare and likely understood only through exposure to American media.
Connotations
In American usage, it carries connotations of rural, blue-collar, or Southern speech. In any context, it is very informal and can be considered vulgar due to 'ass'.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in British English. Low but recognizable frequency in certain American dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “barrel-ass” in a Sentence
[Subject] barrel-ass [Prepositional Phrase (direction)][Subject] barrel-ass [Adverb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “barrel-ass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After the pub closed, they'd barrel-ass down the country lanes, which was terribly dangerous.
- I wouldn't barrel-ass through central London at this hour; the traffic cameras will get you.
American English
- Don't barrel-ass down that dirt road; you'll tear up your truck.
- He just barrel-assed out of here when he heard the news.
adverb
American English
- He took off barrel-ass for the state line.
- She drove barrel-ass through the construction zone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used only in very informal, familiar settings, primarily in the US.
Technical
Never used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “barrel-ass”
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'He is a barrel-ass').
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it outside of very casual American contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal slang and can be considered vulgar or rude due to the word 'ass'. It should be used only in very casual settings with people you know well.
It is extremely rare in standard written English. It might appear in fictional dialogue to characterize a speaker or in very informal digital communication (e.g., texting).
'Barrel' alone (as a verb) means to move very fast in a particular direction. 'Barrel-ass' is an intensified, more informal, and more emphatic version, adding a sense of recklessness or lack of control.
No, it is primarily an Americanism. A British speaker is more likely to use phrases like 'tear along', 'bomb along', or 'belt down' to express a similar idea.
To move or drive recklessly and at high speed.
Barrel-ass is usually informal, slang in register.
Barrel-ass: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbær.əl ˌæs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbær.əl ˌæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an empty barrel with legs (an 'ass') rolling wildly down a hill out of control.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS UNCONTROLLED FORWARD PROPULSION (of a barrel).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'barrel-ass' be MOST appropriate?