arsehole

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'arsehole' is considered to be an offensive and vulgar term and is not appropriate for most written contexts.
It may be used in informal or creative writing, such as poetry, fiction, or online posts. For example, "He was a real arsehole, always doing everything he could to make life harder for everyone around him."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sometimes," I tell him, "I think the real problem is I'm just an arsehole".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The films that have made you distrust guitars because every arsehole who owns one will invariably sit you down at some point and try to play Misirlou to you.

The Guardian - Film

And apologising once you realise that you're being an arsehole.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They wait for someone to recommend one method of swaddling, just so that they can deliberately wade in and point out that – actually – that method is bad for your baby's hips, and your baby will definitely end up in a wheelchair, and it'll be all your fault, and you may as well just kick your baby in the mouth now and be done with it if that's how much you hate children, you arsehole.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"When I burst through the door and give you my first line, if I call you 'an arsehole' like it says in the script, that'll mean your boys have won.

The Guardian

"tim dowling arsehole": no searches!

The Guardian - Tech

In 1984 a young Joschka Fischer (nobody dreamt of a Green foreign minister just 14 years later) yelled: "With your permission, Mr President, you are an arsehole!" Herbert Wehner, a leading member in the 1960s and 70s, told one opponent to "go wash yourself first" and another that "you are a pig, do you know that?"Those members attempting wit and there are some face a more humdrum reality.

The Economist

Mr Moers, the clever author of the smutty and mildly subversive Kleine Arschloch (Little Arsehole) comics, has another success on his hands.

The Economist

Given the native spelling, and your newspaper's inclination to follow British practice, might I suggest that "arsehole" would have been a better and, to these ears, more euphonious rendering? Inexplicably, your style guide is silent on this particular point of usage.Jakob WhitfieldLondon.

The Economist

It was one such who on Quebec radio this summer angrily referred to de Gaulle as "ce vieux trou de cul"—"that old arsehole".

The Economist

For instance, Mr Andrew recounts how the founder of MI5, Vernon Kell, tried to dissuade Neville Chamberlain from appeasing Hitler with a report of the dictator's dreams for Napoleonic conquest, peppered with tales of Hitler mocking Chamberlain as an Arschloch (arsehole).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arsehole" sparingly and only when the situation genuinely warrants strong, offensive language. Overuse diminishes its impact and can alienate your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "arsehole" in professional emails, academic papers, or public speeches. The highly informal and offensive nature of the word is almost always inappropriate in these settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "arsehole" is as a noun, typically used to refer to a person deemed unpleasant or contemptible. It can also, though less commonly, refer literally to the anus. As Ludwig AI points out, the word is offensive and vulgar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "arsehole" is a vulgar noun used to describe either the anus or, more commonly, a despicable person. While grammatically simple, its use is highly context-dependent. Ludwig AI marks it as offensive and inappropriate for formal settings. The examples show its prevalence in news and media, often used to express strong disapproval. Alternatives like "jerk" or "bastard" may be suitable depending on the desired level of offense. Therefore, exercise caution and consider your audience before using "arsehole" in any communication. While the word is common, as shown by its high example count, the user should be aware of its strong negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asshole

American English equivalent, slightly less vulgar to some.

prick

Similar level of vulgarity, emphasizes arrogance.

jerk

Less offensive and widely accepted in general conversation.

bastard

Implies illegitimacy or extreme unpleasantness.

douchebag

Implies arrogance and lack of self-awareness.

shithead

Crude and insulting, emphasizing stupidity.

scumbag

Suggests a despicable and morally reprehensible person.

wanker

British slang, implies incompetence or self-centeredness.

louse

Suggests a sneaky and contemptible person.

rotter

A milder, somewhat old-fashioned term for a cad.

FAQs

What does "arsehole" mean?

The word "arsehole" is a vulgar term that refers either to the anus or, more commonly, to a contemptible and unpleasant person.

What can I say instead of "arsehole"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "jerk", "asshole", or "bastard". Choose the word that best fits the level of offense you intend and the specific characteristics of the person you are describing.

Is it ever appropriate to use the word "arsehole" in writing?

While "arsehole" is generally inappropriate for formal writing, it may be acceptable in informal contexts, fiction where a character would use such language, or when quoting someone directly. Consider your audience and purpose carefully.

What is the difference between "arsehole" and "asshole"?

"Arsehole" is the British English spelling, while "asshole" is the American English spelling. Both words carry the same meaning and level of offensiveness.