a total asshole

USAGE SUMMARY

Technically, the phrase 'a total asshole' is correct and can be used in written English, but it should only be used in a very informal setting.
For example, "My ex is such a total asshole!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I just want to make sure that I don't become a total asshole".

The New Yorker

Such judgments, he says, often make him - and by extension, me - "sound like a total asshole".

The Guardian - Music

And because she's a total asshole, she thought, but she wasn't about to tell the guy that.

The New Yorker

At Winterfell, Ramsay, newly Lord Bolton, now seated importantly at a table, continues being a total asshole.

The New Yorker

A Hollywood kid who doesn't seem like a total asshole?" the feminist website Jezebel wrote about Jones last year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Pixar is the healthiest place to be," he said, "because our movies got famous, not the moviemakers — which bought you time to continue your work for a few years before you became a total asshole".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Because I was a complete and total asshole, I decided to smoke one.

Huffington Post

So it is with great sadness that I must tell the world he is a complete and total asshole.

Vice

I never hate myself more than ten minutes after I get that nice-nice from a total fucking asshole.

Vice

As he predicted, I became a total teenage asshole, eschewing our hangouts in favour of bush parties and boys and often treating him like a nuisance who just didn't get me anymore.

Vice

That is unless someone around them has decided to "play God" and be a total controlling asshole, be it a dictatorship kind of mass ruling through fear or a relative that disallows your company at their table because of some area of your life that they've played judge and jury on.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of using such strong language on your credibility and the overall tone of your message. In professional or academic writing, opt for more neutral alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "a total asshole" in professional emails, academic papers, or public presentations. The informal and offensive nature of the phrase is inappropriate for such settings, which requires a more neutral and respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total asshole" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subjective complement or appositive, providing a derogatory description of a person. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is technically correct, although restricted to informal settings. The examples confirm its use as a blunt and direct form of criticism.

Expression frequency: Common

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 asshole" is a grammatically correct but highly informal and offensive term used to express strong disapproval or contempt towards someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in informal settings. While the phrase appears in News & Media sources, it is generally unsuitable for professional or academic contexts. Consider milder alternatives like "a complete jerk" or "an unpleasant individual" in more formal situations. The primary function is to insult and denigrate, and its frequency is classified as common due to its presence across various online news and media outlets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete jerk

Replaces 'asshole' with a milder term, reducing the intensity of the insult.

a real bastard

Substitutes with a stronger term indicating malevolence or spitefulness.

an absolute menace

Shifts focus from character to the person's disruptive or harmful behavior.

a despicable person

Emphasizes moral reprehensibility, making the criticism more formal.

a thoroughly unpleasant individual

Replaces offensive terms with polite vocabulary, formalizing the expression.

a prize idiot

Focuses on the person's perceived stupidity or lack of sense.

a first-class moron

Emphasizes incompetence and lack of understanding in a more colorful way.

utterly detestable

Highlights the feeling of disgust and aversion towards the person.

genuinely awful human being

Expresses deep disapproval of the person's ethics and actions.

incorrigibly rude

Points out consistent and unchangeable bad manners.

FAQs

What does "a total asshole" mean?

The phrase "a total asshole" is a derogatory term used to describe someone who is considered extremely unpleasant, selfish, or inconsiderate. It implies that the person's behavior is highly offensive and objectionable.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a total asshole"?

It is generally appropriate to use "a total asshole" only in very informal settings, such as casual conversations with close friends or in personal journals. It is best to avoid using it in professional, academic, or public contexts due to its offensive nature.

What are some less offensive alternatives to "a total asshole"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a complete jerk", "a real bastard", or "an unpleasant individual". These phrases convey disapproval without being as overtly offensive.

Is there a difference between calling someone "an asshole" versus "a total asshole"?

Calling someone "an asshole" is already highly offensive. Adding "total" intensifies the insult, emphasizing that the person embodies all the negative qualities associated with being an asshole to the fullest extent.