butt to butt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "butt to butt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts, often to describe two objects or people positioned closely together, typically in a humorous or casual manner. Example: "The two chairs were placed butt to butt, making it a cozy spot for conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

My brother and I did a zombie march, slow and mute, to the back seat, where we turned into our separate nooks, sniffing the upholstery, butt to butt, looking more or less like a Rorschach test.

The New Yorker

"It's going to be obvious who should lead this country for the next four years once they go head to head, toe to toe, elbow to elbow, butt to butt.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A butt-to-butt joint assembly example is used to illustrate the effects of various variation causes.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

Poems packed butt-to-butt with grotesqueries like cartoons inside the cartoons you weren't allowed to watch.

Vice

Nano ESI spray was enabled using an electrospray voltage of 1.1 kV and a distal coated tip (NewObjective) butt-to-butt connected with an outlet of the PLOT column via a zero dead volume PicoClear union (New Objective).

BMC Genomics

Like I said, what I've been attempting is more akin to butt sipping than butt chugging.

Vice

"Send me pictures, or, tell me to butt out, and I'll butt.

Los Angeles Times

Crumpio (Bubble-butt Jinx)- Causes the target's butt to swell up into the shape of a bubble.

WikiHow

"By the sixth time you watch this guy get thrown and land on his butt, your butt starts to hurt.

The New Yorker

This was because someone did some damage to the plane bathroom using their butt and butt hole, and it was considered a safety hazard to keep flying, because the butt crime was in danger of poisoning the air.

Vice

She also brought a blanket to change him on, diapers, butt wipes, butt cream and a small cooler with snacks, 5 bottles of organic whole milk, and all his favorite foods.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "butt to butt" to vividly describe items or individuals placed very closely, particularly when a humorous or informal tone is appropriate.

Common error

While "butt to butt" can be descriptive, it is generally inappropriate for formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "back to back" or "end to end" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase modifying a verb or describing a spatial relationship. It specifies the position of two or more objects relative to each other. Ludwig's examples showcase its descriptive usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "butt to butt" is a grammatically sound phrase that vividly describes close proximity, particularly between rear ends. According to Ludwig, its usage is best suited for informal contexts and should be avoided in formal or professional settings. While relatively rare, the phrase appears mostly in News & Media sources. Alternatives like "back to back" or "end to end" offer more neutral options when formality is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back to back

Describes items placed with their backs facing each other, a common spatial arrangement.

end to end

Refers to objects aligned lengthwise, touching at their extremities.

cheek to cheek

Implies a close physical contact, particularly between faces or rear ends.

hip to hip

Indicates side-by-side positioning where hips are adjacent.

side by side

General term for items positioned next to each other.

shoulder to shoulder

Describes a formation of people standing very close together, typically in a line.

nose to tail

Linear arrangement, often describing vehicles or animals in a queue.

head to toe

Describes the full length of someone or something.

toe to toe

Indicates direct confrontation or very close proximity.

face to face

Objects facing each other directly.

FAQs

What does "butt to butt" mean?

The phrase "butt to butt" describes two things placed very closely together, with their rear ends touching or nearly touching. It's often used to create a humorous or informal image.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "butt to butt"?

Use "butt to butt" in informal contexts where a descriptive and potentially humorous image is desired. Avoid it in formal writing or professional settings.

Are there more formal alternatives to "butt to butt"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "back to back", "end to end", or side by side.

How does "butt to butt" compare to "cheek to cheek"?

"Butt to butt" specifically refers to the rear ends being close, while "cheek to cheek" usually implies faces being close. The phrases evoke different images and contexts.