assholes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "assholes" is usable in written English, but it is considered vulgar and offensive.
It can be used in informal contexts, particularly when expressing strong emotions or frustration. Example: "I can't believe those assholes cut in line ahead of us."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Back in the day, L7's song Shitlist celebrated having enemies, and she could still fill a notebook with the names of "the squares who get me pissed … all the assholes that won't be missed".

The Guardian - Music

"It's like saying, 'I hear there are assholes in New York, so I'm not going there'; yes, there are assholes, but you should still go there because we can figure out who the assholes are," says Jeff Jarvis, a former journalist and newspaper consultant who blogs at Buzzmachine.com.com

The Economist

José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, even refused to be in the same room as Mr Lukashenka during a recent commemoration of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster".I don't want to talk about types like Barroso and other morons and assholes and the like," said Mr Lukashenka in response.

The Economist

(Officially, the army no longer uses conscripts in Chechnya, but some claim to have been sent there anyway. "Young boys are just dying for assholes that make money on it," says one).

The Economist

One refreshing thing about Mr McCain was always the healthy contempt in which he held the nastier sort of Republican ("Why would I want to be the leader of a party of such assholes?" he is quoted as saying).

The Economist

He once stormed into a meeting with suppliers and bellowed that they were "fucking dickless assholes".

The Economist

I would Musk and try to save the world, but that just exposes me to the same type of assholes that made me sell minecraft again.

Independent

While Oliver opened his monologue on Last Week Tonight by describing the militant terror group as "gigantic f**king assholes", Neil dismissed the terrorists as "a bunch of loser jihadists [who] slaughtered 132 of innocents in Paris to prove the future belongs to them, rather than a civilisation like France".

Independent

"I do not speak Italian," Jarrett tells the audience in Perugia, "so someone who speaks English can tell all these assholes with cameras to turn them fucking off right now".

Independent

I sell my ass every day to deal with these assholes".

Independent

Phrases captured on tape, prosecutor John Guy said, included, "fucking punks, these assholes always get away".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context before using the word "assholes". In professional or formal settings, opt for a less offensive alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "assholes" in academic papers, business reports, or any formal communication. Its vulgarity undermines credibility.

Linguistic Context

"Assholes" functions primarily as a plural noun. According to Ludwig, it is acceptable although vulgar. It refers to people who are considered unpleasant, rude, or contemptible. Examples show its use in expressing strong disapproval and frustration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assholes" functions as a plural noun used to express strong negative feelings towards individuals deemed unpleasant. Ludwig AI indicates the word is acceptable though vulgar, best reserved for informal settings. While frequently found in News & Media, its use should be carefully considered due to its offensive nature. For formal or professional communication, milder alternatives such as "jerks" or "idiots" are advisable. When writing, always consider the context and audience to ensure appropriate language use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pricks

A vulgar term, similar in intensity and offensiveness.

motherfuckers

An intensifier implying extreme annoyance or anger, highly offensive.

bastards

Another strong term implying someone is unpleasant or mean.

sons of bitches

A phrase that expresses strong disapproval or contempt.

scumbags

Implies a low moral character and despicable behavior.

jerks

A milder and more socially acceptable term for describing unpleasant people.

jerks

A more polite alternative, suitable for less formal settings

idiots

Focuses on the lack of intelligence or common sense.

nitwits

A less offensive term implying foolishness or stupidity.

rotten people

Emphasizes the negative moral character of the individuals.

FAQs

What does "assholes" mean?

The term "assholes" is a vulgar slang term used to describe people who are considered unpleasant, mean, or contemptible.

How can I use "assholes" in a sentence?

While grammatically correct, using "assholes" is generally not appropriate for formal settings. It is best used in informal conversations where strong language is acceptable. For example: "Those "jerks" cut me off in traffic!"

What can I say instead of "assholes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "jerks", "idiots", "pricks", or "scumbags". Choose a word that fits the level of formality and the severity of the situation.

Is it correct to use "assholes" in professional emails?

No, it is generally not appropriate to use "assholes" or any other vulgar language in professional emails. Opt for more polite and respectful language to maintain a professional image.