dumbass

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dumbass' is not correct or suitable for written English.
This word is considered vulgar language and may be offensive to some. If you are writing formally, it is best to avoid using this word.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The microphones caught him saying "Tiger you dumbass".

The Guardian - Sport

That dumbass is then taken as representative for us all.Both Mr Coates and my colleague, with "random racist" and "the most ignorant fool they can find", write this down to a bad apple or two in a crowd.

The Economist

"Couldn't even keep it running, dumbass!" yells a voice behind me, and 60,000 people head for the gates.We stop in Sudlersville again on the way home, to eat at the counter at the Parkside Family Restaurant.

The Economist

He has said Mick Jagger "looks like a d**k", called Kanye a "dumbass" and said he'd "rather drink petrol" than listen to an Alex Turner interview - but when asked to discuss his first encounter with Sir Paul McCartney, the rock star is full of praise.

Independent

Just once he breaks his inter-song silence to say, "By the way, fuck rock'n'roll", a reference perhaps to Fall Out Boy's dumbass rockist ramblings on the same stage earlier, or a falling-out, we later learn, with festival organisers.

Independent

Because I'm not one of these dumbass artists that you're used to".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

These fools included Tea Partiers, gossip columnists, Occupy Wall Street protesters, and assorted nobodies enabled by digital culture — narcissists, bigots, and dumbasses.

The New Yorker

And those dumbasses believe it!

The New York Times - Magazine

"Those guys chanting, they're just dumbasses," said Gary Pollard, 35, a navy veteran-turned Disneyland worker in Anaheim.

The Guardian

Ken Buck, a Republican Senate candidate in Colorado, called the Tea Partiers who doubt President Obama's citizenship "dumbasses".

The New Yorker

These fools included Tea Partiers, gossip columnists, Occupy Wall Street protesters, and assorted nobodies enabled by digital culture narcissists, bigots, and dumbasses.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context before using the word "dumbass". In professional or formal settings, opt for less offensive alternatives like "foolish" or "unintelligent".

Common error

Avoid using "dumbass" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communication. Its vulgar nature can undermine your credibility and alienate your audience.

Linguistic Context

The word "dumbass" functions primarily as a noun (referring to a person) or an adjective (describing something as stupid). Ludwig AI indicates this word is generally unsuitable for formal written English due to its vulgar nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "dumbass" is a derogatory word used to describe someone considered stupid or foolish. Ludwig AI flags it as generally unsuitable for formal written English. While it appears in various news and media contexts, its use remains largely informal and should be carefully considered due to its potential to offend. Alternatives like "fool", "idiot", or "foolish" are more appropriate for professional or academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fool

A general term for someone lacking intelligence or good judgment; less offensive than "dumbass".

idiot

Similar in meaning to "fool" but potentially more insulting depending on the context.

moron

A more clinical term for someone with low intelligence, but can still be offensive.

simpleton

A less common and somewhat archaic term for a foolish or naive person.

blockhead

An informal term suggesting a lack of intelligence.

nitwit

A mildly insulting term for a silly or foolish person.

numbskull

A more playful term for a stupid or foolish person.

bonehead

Similar to "blockhead", implying a lack of intelligence.

airhead

Suggests someone is scatterbrained or lacking in serious thought.

imbecile

A formal, now outdated, term for someone with intellectual disabilities; highly offensive in modern usage.

FAQs

What does the word "dumbass" mean?

The word "dumbass" is a derogatory term used to describe someone who is considered stupid, foolish, or incompetent. It is often used as an insult.

Is "dumbass" an offensive word?

Yes, "dumbass" is generally considered an offensive and vulgar word. It's best to avoid using it in formal or polite settings. Consider using less offensive alternatives like "fool" or "idiot" instead.

Are there situations where using "dumbass" is acceptable?

While "dumbass" is generally inappropriate, it might be acceptable in informal settings among close friends who understand the context and are not offended by such language. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using offensive language.

What are some alternative words to use instead of "dumbass"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "foolish", "stupid", "unintelligent", "idiotic", or "silly". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.