bit of an ass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bit of an ass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to describe someone who is being rude, difficult, or unpleasant in a light-hearted or mildly critical way. Example: "I know he can be a bit of an ass sometimes, but he means well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He knows he's a bit of an ass.

The New York Times - Books

Please find that this makes me sound like a bit of an ass.

The New Yorker

I have to admit, I feel like a bit of an ass.

Huffington Post

3. The guy they're trying to rescue seems like a bit of an ass.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When ur PERFECT and make all the right decisions ALL if the time, and don't have at least a bit of cellulite on ur ass, get back 2 me.

Huffington Post

Her character is, to put it simply, a bit of a bad ass - not to be messed with, she drives a massive rig called the War Machine and is central to the film's plot.

BBC

Helen (Julianne Nicholson) is a bit of a hard-ass, with observation and deduction skills that come in handy when trying to piece together a crime.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The end results, as can be seen in the edited NSFW-ish clips (and it depends how down your boss is with topless guys, a bit of bare ass and leather, I guess) captures a snippet of what was captured over the span of the two releases.

Vice

Because it's been a bit of a pain in the ass, quite frankly.

TechCrunch

It's a bit of a pain in the ass that admittedly deterred me from watching video on it.

TechCrunch

Admittedly I rarely make it because it's a little bit of a pain in the ass, but every time I do, it's totally worth it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bit of an ass" to describe someone whose behavior is mildly irritating, rude, or inconsiderate but not necessarily malicious. Consider the context and audience, as this phrase can be seen as impolite.

Common error

Avoid using "bit of an ass" in formal writing or professional settings. It is best suited for informal conversations and casual writing where a less serious tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bit of an ass" functions as a descriptive term, specifically a noun phrase, that characterizes someone's behavior. Ludwig indicates it's usable in written English to describe someone who is rude, difficult, or unpleasant.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bit of an ass" is a descriptive term used informally to express mild criticism or disapproval of someone's behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English, particularly within news and media contexts, although its rarity suggests caution in formal settings. Alternatives like "a bit of a jerk" or "a little obnoxious" can provide a similar meaning with potentially less offense. Always consider your audience when deciding whether to use "bit of an ass".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit of a jerk

Replaces "ass" with a more common and slightly milder term, "jerk".

a bit rude

Directly addresses the person's impolite or offensive behavior.

a bit of a fool

Uses "fool" to suggest foolish or silly behavior, rather than outright unpleasantness.

a bit inconsiderate

Highlights the lack of consideration for others' feelings or needs.

a little bit obnoxious

Focuses on the annoying or irritating aspects of the person's behavior.

kind of a pain

Suggests that the person is troublesome or difficult to deal with.

slightly unpleasant person

A more formal and less offensive way to describe someone who is not very pleasant.

a little difficult

Focuses on the challenges of interacting with the person.

somewhat disagreeable

A polite way of saying someone is not very agreeable or pleasant to be around.

a bit trying

Suggests that the person's behavior is testing one's patience.

FAQs

How can I use "bit of an ass" in a sentence?

You can use "bit of an ass" to describe someone's behavior, for example: "He can be a "bit of an ass" sometimes, but he has a good heart."

What are some alternatives to saying "bit of an ass"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit of a jerk", "a little obnoxious", or "somewhat disagreeable" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "bit of an ass" in a formal setting?

No, "bit of an ass" is generally considered too informal for professional or formal settings. Opt for more polite alternatives like "inconsiderate" or "difficult".

What's the difference between "bit of an ass" and "total ass"?

"Bit of an ass" implies a milder degree of unpleasantness or rudeness, whereas "total ass" suggests that the person is completely obnoxious or reprehensible.