a bunch of pricks

USAGE SUMMARY

'a bunch of pricks' is not a correct or usable expression in written English as it is considered to be offensive and inappropriate language.
Instead, you could use the more polite expression, "a group of difficult people". For example, "We had to deal with a group of difficult people at the meeting which made the whole experience rather unpleasant".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The show isn't even up for best sitcom, so then you think they're a bunch of pricks".

Independent

What's the way to have this conversation without seeming like a bunch of pricks?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The perhaps impossible task we set ourselves," says Field Smith, "was to present a bunch of punchable pricks who you'd happily watch be killed in a variety of ways but then, against the odds, you actually start to want them – all of them, not just Ian – to survive".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr. Ames and I chatted about the drone attacks, eagles in general, and why, when it comes down to it, birds of prey are just a bunch of selfish pricks, really.

Vice

That sounds like something a heinous bunch of pricks would call themselves.

The Guardian

And it couldn't have happened to a more deserving bunch of pricks".

Huffington Post

"It's like this: I made some fucking great-sounding music that still sounds fucking great, and — to drop my intellect and just get emotional about it — a bunch of fat fucks and pricks wouldn't play my music anywhere where anybody could hear it, wouldn't sell it in a part of the store where it could be bought," he said.

The New Yorker

Let me just read you one line from the new book so you understand what's No. 1 in America: 'These bastards who run our country are a bunch of conniving, thieving, smug pricks who need to be brought down and removed and replaced with a whole new system that we control!' " The audience clapped again, and Moore called for questions.

The New Yorker

Sure, some of us may have been facing imminent financial hardships, and most of us probably know people whose lives are being upended by a bunch of intractable, whiny, self-entitled pricks in Washington, but right then, with the sun shining down and nature's splendor on full display, it was hard to feel anything but happy.

Huffington Post

Well done, you greasy bunch of pricks.

Vice

Driving cross-country with a bunch of mates can be a total prick.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "a bunch of pricks" in formal or professional communication due to its offensive nature. Opt for more neutral or polite alternatives.

Common error

Be aware that using phrases like "a bunch of pricks" can damage your credibility and relationships. Consider the impact of your words and choose respectful language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bunch of pricks" functions as a derogatory term, serving as a noun phrase used to express strong disapproval or contempt for a group of people. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered offensive and inappropriate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bunch of pricks" is a highly offensive phrase used to express strong disapproval of a group of people. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically incorrect and inappropriate for formal use. While it appears in some news and media contexts, it is best avoided in professional, academic, or polite settings. Alternatives such as "a group of difficult people" or "a collection of contemptible individuals" can be used to convey dissatisfaction without resorting to offensive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of unpleasant people

Replaces offensive language with a more neutral and polite expression.

a collection of contemptible individuals

Substitutes informal terms with more formal and judgmental language.

a set of disagreeable characters

Employs literary terms to soften the harshness of the original phrase.

a host of detestable figures

Uses elevated vocabulary to express strong dislike in a less direct manner.

an assortment of awful personalities

Replaces offensive terms with gentler and more descriptive adjectives.

a band of terrible people

Substitutes strong language with more common but still negative descriptors.

a gathering of wretched souls

Adopts a more dramatic and figurative style to express disdain.

a cluster of nasty individuals

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey a negative sentiment, avoiding offensive words.

a throng of objectionable characters

Elevates the language while maintaining the critical tone.

a cadre of offensive people

Uses slightly more formal language while retaining a critical tone.

FAQs

What does "a bunch of pricks" mean?

The phrase "a bunch of pricks" is a highly offensive term used to describe a group of people considered to be unpleasant, mean, or contemptible. Due to its vulgar nature, it's best to avoid using it in any context.

What can I say instead of "a bunch of pricks"?

You can use alternatives like "a group of difficult people", "a collection of contemptible individuals", or "a set of disagreeable characters depending on the context" to express your dissatisfaction without resorting to offensive language.

Is it ever appropriate to use the phrase "a bunch of pricks"?

No, it is generally not appropriate to use the phrase "a bunch of pricks" in any formal or professional setting. Its offensive nature makes it unsuitable for polite conversation, business communication, or academic discussions.

How can I express my frustration without using offensive language like "a bunch of pricks"?

To express frustration without being offensive, try focusing on the specific behaviors or actions that are bothering you. For instance, you could say, "I'm frustrated by their lack of cooperation" or "Their actions are making it difficult to achieve our goals".