fart
MediumVery informal, vulgar, taboo in polite or formal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To expel intestinal gas from the anus; an instance of such an expulsion.
As a verb: to waste time or behave foolishly; as a noun: a worthless or annoying person.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a scatological term. Its extended meanings (e.g., 'old fart') are considered less vulgar but still very informal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is highly similar. 'Break wind' is a slightly more common polite alternative in UK English.
Connotations
Universally considered vulgar and childish, but can be used humorously among close friends.
Frequency
Slightly more tolerated in casual UK humour (e.g., 'Carry On' films) but remains taboo in formal settings in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Intransitive verb (He farted).Phrasal verb: fart about/around (He farted about all morning).Noun phrase: a fart.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fart about/around (to waste time)”
- “fart in a windstorm (to have no effect)”
- “old fart (a boring, older person)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Almost never used. Highly unprofessional.
Academic
Not used, except perhaps in specific medical/biological contexts (where 'flatulence' is preferred).
Everyday
Used among close friends/family in humorous or descriptive contexts. Considered rude with strangers.
Technical
The technical term is 'flatulence' or 'flatus'. 'Fart' is not used in technical writing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The dog farted quietly on the rug.
- Stop farting about and help me!
American English
- He farted during the meeting, which was embarrassing.
- Quit farting around and get to work.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The little boy laughed when someone farted.
- It's rude to fart loudly in public.
- He spent the whole afternoon farting around on his phone instead of studying.
- His proposed amendment was likened to a fart in a windstorm—completely ineffectual.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The word 'fart' sounds like a short, sharp expulsion of air, mimicking its meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
INCOMPETENCE/ANNOYANCE IS A FART ('He's just an old fart', 'Stop farting around!').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'фарт' (Russian slang for 'luck'). They are false friends.
- Direct translations ('пердеть') exist but are equally vulgar.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing or speech.
- Overusing it in an attempt to be humorous with acquaintances.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'fart' MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is considered a vulgar term, taboo in polite conversation. It ranks lower than most swear words but is still inappropriate for formal settings.
Common polite alternatives include 'pass gas', 'break wind', or 'have gas'. The formal/medical term is 'flatulence'.
Yes, particularly in the phrase 'old fart' to describe a tedious, old-fashioned person. Calling someone 'a fart' is a mild, childish insult.
The core word 'fart' is identical. Some childish euphemisms may vary (e.g., 'poot', 'toot', 'trump' in UK), but the main term is the same.