a long ass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long ass" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and may be considered vulgar.
It can be used to describe something that is lengthy or extensive, often in a humorous or exaggerated context. Example: "I just finished reading a long ass book that took me weeks to get through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

plus it's a long ass drive from la lol haha yeah my sister is the same way! hey actually I'm just pulling into south taft now like near the big town square, is your sister's house kind of near here?

The New Yorker

plus it's a long ass drive from la lol MICHAEL 12/24 10:19 PM haha yeah my sister is the same way! hey actually I'm just pulling into south taft now like near the big town square, is your sister's house kind of near here?

The New Yorker

And a long ass line too.

Huffington Post

That's one hell of a long ass tour.

Huffington Post

"Its gonna be a long ass night," the superintendent said.

Huffington Post

It just means it's been a long ass day and everything is distracting right now.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It takes a long-ass time.

The New Yorker

Which ignores the fact that 20 minutes is a long-ass time.

The Guardian

I been living underground for a long-ass motherfucking time.

Vice

Like... He's got a long-ass pinkie nail.

Vice

Be ready prepared to work hard and for it to take a long-ass time".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "a long ass" with less vulgar alternatives such as "very long" or "lengthy" in professional environments.

Common error

Avoid using "a long ass" in formal writing or professional communication. This phrase is considered informal and can be seen as vulgar or offensive in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long ass" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, emphasizing the extreme length or duration of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though usage is generally informal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Social Media

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a long ass" is grammatically correct but marked by its informality and potential vulgarity. Ludwig AI confirms its usage primarily in casual contexts such as social media and some news outlets. While it effectively conveys emphasis on length or duration, it should be replaced by more appropriate alternatives like "very long" or "lengthy" in formal or professional environments. The presence of this phrase across a variety of sources suggests its common understanding, but exercising caution in its application is always advised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a very long

Omits the vulgar term, replacing it with a standard adjective of length, making the phrase more appropriate for formal contexts.

a lengthy

Replaces the phrase with a single adjective that means long or extended in time or length, suitable for general use.

an extended period

Replaces the colloquial term with a more formal expression indicating a prolonged timeframe.

a considerable duration

Substitutes the informal phrase with a formal expression indicating a significant amount of time.

a prolonged time

Emphasizes the length of time in a slightly more formal way than the original phrase.

a protracted

Uses a single adjective to describe something that is prolonged or extended, more formal than the original.

a never-ending

Exaggerates the length to imply something seems endless, adding a touch of hyperbole.

an extensive

Replaces the phrase with a word implying thoroughness or comprehensiveness over a long period.

a seemingly endless

Similar to "a never-ending", but adds a sense of subjective perception of the length.

an interminable

Uses a formal term to describe something that seems to go on forever, often used in negative contexts.

FAQs

What does "a long ass" mean?

The phrase "a long ass" is an informal and sometimes vulgar way of saying something is very long or takes a lot of time. It's used to emphasize the duration or length of something.

Is it okay to use "a long ass" in professional emails?

No, it is generally not appropriate to use "a long ass" in professional emails or formal communication. Opt for more formal alternatives like "lengthy" or "very long".

What can I say instead of "a long ass"?

You can use alternatives like "a very long", "a lengthy", or "an extended period" depending on the context.

Is "a long ass" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a long ass" is grammatically correct, but its use is limited to informal settings due to its potentially offensive connotation.