wazoo
LowInformal, Humorous, Vulgar (when referencing the body part).
Definition
Meaning
The anus; used as a humorous, often vulgar term for the buttocks or posterior.
Used chiefly in the phrase "up the wazoo" to mean in great abundance, to excess, or in an overwhelming manner. Can also refer to an unspecified or unknown place, especially in a comical or dismissive sense.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is strongly idiomatic. Its literal anatomical meaning is considered coarse slang and is relatively rare. Its primary contemporary function is within the idiom "up the wazoo" (and variants like "out the wazoo"), which has a much wider and more acceptable usage in informal contexts to denote excess.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is primarily American in origin and usage. It is understood but not commonly used in British English, where equivalent idioms (like "up the arse" or "coming out of your ears") might be preferred.
Connotations
In both varieties, the literal sense is vulgar. The idiomatic sense in AmE is informal and often humorous, with softened vulgarity. In BrE, it may sound distinctly American and slightly odd.
Frequency
Frequent in informal American English, especially the idiom. Very low frequency in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[have/get] something up the wazoo[be] coming out the wazooVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “up the wazoo (in great abundance)”
- “a pain in the wazoo (a major annoyance)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Only in very informal conversations (e.g., 'We've got data up the wazoo on that project'). Avoid in formal writing or presentations.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal AmE speech for emphasis and humor, particularly the idiomatic form.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has baseball cards up the wazoo.
- I've got homework coming out the wazoo this week.
- The city has parking regulations up the wazoo, so read the signs carefully.
- After the merger, we had consultants out the wazoo.
- The proposal was buried under impact assessments up the wazoo, delaying it for months.
- His argument was riddled with logical fallacies up the wazoo.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a kazoo—a silly musical instrument. A 'WA-zoo' is where silly or excessive things are stored (i.e., 'up' it).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CONTAINER (for abundance). EXCESS IS BEING FORCED INTO/OUT OF A BODILY ORIFICE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "вазу" (vazu, 'vase').
- The idiom "up the wazoo" cannot be translated literally. Use equivalents like "через край" (cherez kray) or "до чёртиков" (do chyortikov) for excess.
Common Mistakes
- Using the literal term in polite company.
- Using the idiom in formal writing.
- Spelling it as 'wazzoo' or 'wazou'.
- Trying to use it as a standard noun outside of the fixed idiom.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'wazoo' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The literal meaning is vulgar slang. The idiom 'up the wazoo' is informal and humorous but is still too casual for formal settings.
It will be understood by many, but it sounds American. British speakers typically use other terms or idioms.
The etymology is uncertain. It is considered American slang from the mid-20th century, possibly a playful alteration of 'kazoo' or influenced by French 'oiseau' (bird).
Mostly. 'Out the wazoo' is also common and means essentially the same thing (an overwhelming amount). Other constructions are rare.