ass

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “ass” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a donkey or an idiot. For example, “She laughed at his foolish idea, calling him an ass.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Move your America hating ass to Iraq, let ISIS rape you then cut your cunt head off, fucking media whore muslim," wrote a rather unassuming-looking mom named Donna.

The Guardian - Opinion

In what appears to be a separate altercation a few minutes later, Bristol Palin approached Klingenmeyer saying that she was going to "beat that girl's ass".

The Guardian

His recurrent appearances on SNL, playing Hulk-like, shape-shifting Potus "The Rock" Obama, have been ridiculously endearing (especially whenever he flings Ted Cruz out of a window), and you haven't lived until you've seen him lip-sync Taylor Swift's Shake It Off with Jimmy Fallon ("Oh Jimmy, your ass is gettin' ready to know Tay-Tay!").

The Guardian - Film

2. Maria calls Malvolio "a time-pleaser, an affectioned ass" - a follower of fashion and a pretentious idiot in Twelfth Night.

The Guardian

"Somebody should make alternate Twitter accounts of all of those ass clowns and constantly post about their strong desire for child porn," read the next comment.

The Guardian - Tech

Blurred Lines has been widely criticised for appearing to glorify rape and violent sex, with lyrics including "I know you want it", "I'll give you something big enough to tear your ass in two", and "Nothing like your last guy, he too square for you/ He don't smack that ass and pull your hair like that".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Above all, in Baghdad there was a pervasive air of deskbound caution, buck-passing, and ass-covering, in contrast with the Wild West atmosphere that broke out, for better and for worse, in Saigon in April of 1975.

The Economist

Only thing what's on my mind, who's gonna run this town tonight?") are both almost a direct translation from the books into song form, and it is obviously one of the most bad-ass songs I've ever listened too and never fails to get me pumped up, as if I was going into battle and could do back flips and stuff like that.

The Guardian

7. Sir Toby calls Sir Andrew "an ass-head, and a coxcomb, and a knave, a thin-faced knave, a gull!" - a simpleton in Twelfth Night.

The Guardian

Appleton said the pair were learning to play instruments and they would joke about starting a "kick-ass metal band".

The Guardian

Equally, if not more so, you root for street urchins like Bodie Broadus and Chris Partlow, along with bad-ass entrepreneur Stringer Bell. 5. It's the greatest ever cop show that isn't actually a cop show.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and context when using the word "ass" as it can be offensive in formal settings. In informal settings, it can be acceptable depending on the relationship between speakers.

Common error

Avoid using "ass" in formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more neutral terms like "buttocks" or "fool" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "ass" functions primarily as a noun, referring either to a donkey or, informally, to a person considered foolish. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. However, its usage can be context-dependent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Film

20%

Music

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Travel

5%

Sport

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "ass" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, ranging from referring to a donkey to describing someone as foolish. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI points out, its use requires careful consideration of context and audience due to its potential for vulgarity. Predominantly found in News & Media, Film, and Music, it's crucial to be mindful of the register and opt for more neutral alternatives in formal settings, such as "buttocks" or "fool". Using "ass" can significantly affect the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Arse

A British equivalent of "ass", often considered vulgar.

Buttocks

Refers specifically to the part of the body.

Rear end

A more polite way to refer to someone's butt.

Behind

Another common term for the buttocks.

Jackass

A derogatory term for a foolish person.

Donkey

Refers specifically to the animal.

Bottom

A general term for the buttocks.

Fool

Implies a lack of intelligence or judgment.

Idiot

A stronger term for someone who is unintelligent.

Pain in the neck

Describes someone or something that is annoying.

FAQs

How can I use "ass" in a sentence?

You can use "ass" to refer to a donkey, as in "The farmer used an ass to carry the load." Alternatively, it can be used informally to refer to a person you deem foolish, as in "He made a stupid decision; he's such an ass."

What words can I say instead of "ass"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "buttocks" to refer to the body part, or "fool", "idiot", or "jackass" to refer to a foolish person.

Which is correct, "ass" or "arse"?

"Ass" is primarily used in American English, while "arse" is the British English equivalent. Both terms are correct within their respective dialects.

What's the difference between "ass" and "buttocks"?

"Ass" is a more informal and sometimes vulgar term for the "buttocks". "Buttocks" is a more neutral and anatomical term.