a total ass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total ass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to describe someone who is behaving foolishly or unkindly. Example: "After he made that rude comment, I realized he was just being a total ass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The plot, of both the book and the real-life story on which it was based, are well known: plucky heroine, seven months pregnant and mother of a toddler, discovers that her hotshot reporter husband is flagrantly cheating on her with "an unbelievably tall person" (who, in real life, was, of all people, Margaret Jay), a friend of the heroine, and the husband behaves like a total ass about it.

The Guardian - Film

Although he'd acted like a total ass before, this was a nice gesture I didn't anticipate".

Vice

(Even Tiger, who admittedly handled his own crisis like a total ass, has been over-pilloried, if that's a word).

Huffington Post

It's like, "That sucks, but at least I didn't make a total ass of myself by trying".

Vice

Well you're going to feel like a total ass when you learn from his parents that as a teen Kelly was diagnosed with dyslexia severe dyslexia and was put in a special ed class and the "cruelty" of this experience is what led him to pick up the bottle at the tender age of 19.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Or does merely suggesting such a change make me a total ass-hole?

The New Yorker

Most importantly, travel alone and you will discover that you are a total bad ass.

Huffington Post

He was a total bad ass in my eyes, and I fell for him hard!

Vice

He is also simultaneously a really nice guy and a total bad ass.

Vice

Would say to him, "You're shitfaced," or "You smell like total ass," or "Jesus Christ, when will you learn?" And her fingers, soft as daffodils, would set aside his crown, and twist tufts of his sideburns into knots, and pull the hairs of his ears from their tender follicles until, red and swollen, he slid into dreamless sleep.

The New Yorker

Also, this remix kicks total ass.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a total ass" sparingly and be mindful of your audience. It's best suited for informal settings where strong language is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase. While it can be effective for emphasis, frequent use diminishes its impact and can make your writing seem juvenile or unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total ass" functions as a subjective descriptor, primarily used to express disapproval or criticism. It typically modifies a noun (usually a person) and implies the person is behaving in an objectionable manner. Ludwig AI confirms its negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a total ass" is an informal expression used to negatively describe someone's behavior. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct but advises caution in its usage. While it appears primarily in news and media contexts, it's essential to consider your audience and setting, as more formal alternatives are often more appropriate. Related phrases like "a complete jerk" or "an absolute fool" may be suitable substitutes in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete jerk

Replaces "ass" with a more widely accepted term for an unpleasant person.

an absolute fool

Substitutes "ass" with a term implying foolish behavior rather than unpleasantness.

a real idiot

Offers a synonym that focuses on lack of intelligence or good sense.

utterly obnoxious

Changes the structure to an adverb-adjective phrase, emphasizing extremely annoying behavior.

a prize buffoon

Replaces "ass" with a term suggesting someone who is ridiculous and laughable.

an infuriating person

Emphasizes the anger-inducing quality of the individual's behavior.

a colossal pain

Shifts the focus to the inconvenience or trouble caused by the person.

genuinely detestable

Replaces "ass" with a formal and universally negative evaluation.

thoroughly unpleasant

Uses a formal adjective to describe the person's negative qualities.

a massive disappointment

Focuses on the person's failure to meet expectations or standards.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone is described as "a total ass"?

Describing someone as "a total ass" means they are behaving foolishly, rudely, or inconsiderately. It's a strong, informal way to express disapproval of their actions.

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

You can use alternatives like "a complete jerk", "an absolute fool", or "a real idiot" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a total ass" in formal writing?

No, the phrase "a total ass" is not appropriate for formal writing. It is considered too informal and potentially offensive for professional or academic contexts.

How can I use "a total ass" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to describe someone's behavior, such as, "After he insulted the waiter, I realized he was being a total ass."