arse

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "arse" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in British English.
It can be used in informal contexts, often to refer to someone's buttocks or as a mild insult. Example: "He fell on his arse while trying to impress everyone with his dance moves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was a young journalist; I didn't get on to the newsdesk for three or four years, until the retirement in the early 70s of the news editor, fondly known as "the bosun", whose favoured maxim was "My arse is a teacake".

The Guardian

"But you aren't suddenly going to show your arse.

The Guardian

Well, now that you mention it, if you study the footage of the 1987 tour of Japan contained here, you get plenty of chance to have a good look, 'cos Pete does love to flash his arse at the crowd.

The Guardian - Film

The footage and fall-out have been raked to within an inch of their lives for clues as to the cause of the disagreement, the front-running theory so far being that Jay Z wanted to go to Rihanna's after party (Rihanna of all people! My dear) and that Solange piled in on her sister's behalf, all the better to persuade him to get his sorry arse home.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was also the argument that 'RLJs are just PITA to petrolheads' (red-light jumpers are merely a pain in the arse to drivers), who are, after all, responsible for 3,500 deaths a year - compared with cyclists' annual tally of none whatsoever.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fame has become, 'Look at me, I'm getting my photo taken with another famous person' or, 'I'm selling records because I'm dancing with my arse out next to a pervy old man in a suit at a massive awards ceremony.' People have forgotten about the music.

The Guardian - Music

"In the winter it was a pain in the arse because we were always having to top up.

The Guardian

Do they think they haven't got the capacity?" Maybe, I say, people just think you're a pain in the arse.

The Guardian - Sport

He is said to have told them: "Kiss my arse".

The Guardian - Opinion

No, not the report from Valencia newspaper Provincias, who got hold of a full list of the first-team salaries and published them for the world to see (Ricardo Costa was the top earner on €3.7m a year, in case you're wondering), but the Getafe fan who provoked Diego Costa into missing a penalty … by flashing his arse at him.

The Guardian - Sport

Frankly, driving it is a pain in the arse".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arse" judiciously, considering your audience and the desired tone. While common in British English, it may be considered vulgar or offensive in more formal settings or by some individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "arse" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "buttocks" or rephrase to avoid direct reference to the body part altogether.

Linguistic Context

Noun: Referring to buttocks or anus. Verb: To express apathy or act foolishly. It is mostly used in informal conversation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the word is usable, particularly in British English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "arse" primarily denotes buttocks or anus, but can also describe a contemptible person or, as a verb, indicate apathy or foolish behavior. As Ludwig AI reports, this term is perfectly acceptable in written English. However, its usage is largely confined to informal contexts and should be avoided in formal settings, due to its potential to offend. It is more frequently found in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ass

A direct synonym, though often considered more vulgar than "arse".

buttocks

A more formal and neutral term for the same body part.

bottom

A common and less vulgar synonym for buttocks.

rear end

A straightforward and descriptive term for the posterior.

behind

A general term for the back part of the body, including the buttocks.

posterior

A more anatomical and clinical term.

derrière

A French-derived term, often used humorously or euphemistically.

keister

A slang term for buttocks, often used in informal contexts.

pain in the neck

An idiom expressing annoyance, similar to "pain in the arse".

get off my back

An idiom indicating a desire to be left alone, implying annoyance.

FAQs

What does "arse" mean?

The word "arse" primarily refers to the buttocks or anus. It can also be used informally to describe a stupid or unpleasant person.

Is it appropriate to use "arse" in formal writing?

No, "arse" is generally considered informal and may be seen as vulgar. Use more neutral terms like "buttocks" or rephrase your sentence to avoid direct reference.

What can I say instead of "pain in the arse"?

Consider alternatives like "pain in the neck", "inconvenience", or "nuisance" depending on the specific context.

How is "arse" different from "ass"?

While both words refer to the buttocks, "ass" is more common in American English, whereas "arse" is more prevalent in British English. Both can be considered vulgar in certain contexts.