big ass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big ass" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and may be considered vulgar by some.
It can be used in casual contexts, often to emphasize size or to describe something as large or impressive. Example: "He drove a big ass truck that could fit all of our gear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The agency's software geeks called it "the BAG," which stood for "big ass graph".

The New York Times

ITV2 comedy has included Katy Brand's Big Ass Show and Celebrity Juice.

The Guardian

'Katy Brand's Big Ass Show' returns to ITV2 on 2 Sept; the DVD of series one is released 6 Oct.

Independent

Fin REVS his Chainsaw and in SLOW MOTION takes down one shark after another with his big ass chainsaw.

The New Yorker

"Big Ass Spider!" is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned) because a giant spider does not kill its prey neatly.

The New York Times

All my insecurities — having a fat body, skinny body, big ass, long nose, a guy, being abandoned, whatever — aren't important".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He was entitled to it, he had earned it, and he had some pretty big ass-whupping friends.

The New Yorker

And since I'm on a roll, you, sir, are the biggest ass of them all.

Independent

Sign up now Theget the Biggest VICE CAssda delinered straight to your inBrazil

Vice

The Biggest Ass in Brazil.

Vice

VICE Meets: The Biggest Ass in Brazil.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To soften the impact of "big ass" consider replacing it with something more benign that still emphasizes size or impact. For example, "That's a big ass problem" can become "That's a significant problem".

Common error

Avoid using "big ass" in formal writing or professional settings where its informality and potential vulgarity would be inappropriate. Instead, opt for more neutral terms that convey size or scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big ass" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective, to emphasize the size, scale, or intensity of the noun it precedes. Ludwig examples show its use in phrases like "big ass graph" or "big ass party", highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "big ass" functions as an adjective to emphasize the size or intensity of something, often adding an informal or humorous tone. Although grammatically correct, its appropriateness depends heavily on context, as it may be perceived as vulgar. Ludwig AI indicates it is most common in News & Media. Consider using more formal alternatives like "large" or "massive" in professional or academic settings to avoid potential offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very large

Replaces "ass" with a more general term for size.

extremely big

Emphasizes the size using "extremely" instead of "ass".

massive

A single word substitution for denoting large size or scale.

large size

Replaces the descriptive phrase with a more neutral term.

remarkably huge

Emphasizes size using "remarkably" and "huge".

considerable size

Substitutes "big" with "considerable" and replaces "ass" with "size", formalizing the tone.

exceptionally large

Formalizes the phrase by using "exceptionally" instead of "big ass".

immense

A single word substitution that conveys great size.

substantial dimensions

Replaces the informal phrase with more formal vocabulary.

significant magnitude

Uses scientific or technical terms to convey a sense of scale.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "big ass" in writing?

The phrase "big ass" is appropriate in informal settings where strong emphasis is desired. However, consider your audience, as it can be seen as vulgar. In professional or formal contexts, use alternatives like "large", "massive", or "substantial".

What are some alternatives to "big ass" that maintain a similar impact?

To maintain impact without using potentially offensive language, consider phrases like "extremely large", "remarkably huge", or using single-word substitutes like "immense" or "massive".

How can I use "big ass" in a sentence?

You can use "big ass" as an adjective before a noun to emphasize size or scale, as in "He drove a big ass truck" or "That's a big ass problem." Be mindful of the context, as it is informal.

Is "big ass" considered vulgar or offensive?

Yes, "big ass" can be considered vulgar or offensive by some people. It's essential to assess your audience and the context before using it. In doubt, it’s better to stick to safe alternatives like "large" or "substantial".