two asses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two asses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to two donkeys or as a colloquial expression to describe foolish individuals. Example: "In the story, the two asses were burdened with heavy loads, but they still managed to find their way home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I see two thumbs in two asses and everybody wondering where their hands went".

The New Yorker

On two Web sites and through a not-for-profit organization called Hearts Across America — the operations are run out of the Jack Shack — the two Asses promote designated driving and personal responsibility, with slogans like "Be a smart ass, not a dumb ass".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

(On repeat viewing, I counted sixteen "fuck"s, as well as ten "shit"s, two "ass"es, and — a taboo of a different sort, but one respected by and much discussed in the Times — two "nigga"s).

The New Yorker

Token coinage consisted henceforth of brass sesterces and dupondii (equal to four and two asses, respectively), with copper asses, halves, and quarters, the as being the most common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The value of the denarius in terms of bronze was altered, being revalued about 133 at 16 instead of 10 asses; the silver quinarius (now of eight asses and with the types of the victoriate) became rare; and the silver sesterce (now equal to four asses) virtually disappeared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the course of the scene, the fraternity brother demonstrates to the student how one ass-waxes a woman.

The New Yorker

Three ASS, namely sulfuric, hypersulfidic and hyposulfidic soils, collected from one profile in a wetland were used unamended or amended with 10 g C kg− 1 as finely ground wheat straw.

Geoderma

Few movies have the right to re-enter the scene after years, while asking that I forget the nine ass-smelt sequels that happened since 1978.

Vice

Few movies have the right to reenter the scene after years, while asking that I forget the nine ass-smelt sequels that happened since 1978.

Vice

The results indicate that the system has at least three ASS for some parameter settings (Supporting Information S2): one is an adult-dominated state, and the other two are juvenile-dominated states in which either of the two juvenile subpopulations dominates the other depending on the initial conditions.

Plosone

Ten anti-Jo1 patients died, with nine ASS-specific deaths due to cancer (n = 5) or to pulmonary complications due to respiratory insufficiency related to ILD (n = 1) or aspiration pneumonia (n = 3).

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context when using "two asses". While grammatically correct, it can be considered offensive in some situations. Opt for alternatives like "two fools" or "two donkeys" depending on your intended meaning and audience.

Common error

Avoid using "two asses" in formal writing or when addressing individuals you don't know well. Its informal and potentially offensive nature can damage your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two asses" functions as a noun phrase, referring either literally to two donkeys or figuratively to two foolish people. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable, supporting its grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Wiki

12.5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "two asses" is grammatically correct but carries an informal and potentially offensive connotation. It can refer literally to two donkeys or figuratively to two foolish individuals. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is usable. While its frequency is rare, as evidenced by the limited number of examples, its usage is consistent across news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. When choosing to use "two asses", consider your audience and the potential for misinterpretation, opting for alternatives like "two fools" or "a pair of donkeys" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two fools

Replaces "asses" with a more direct term for foolish individuals.

two idiots

Similar to "two fools" but carries a slightly stronger negative connotation.

a pair of donkeys

Uses a more literal and less offensive term for the animal.

two blockheads

Employs a more old-fashioned term for stupid people.

two simpletons

Refers to someone lacking intelligence or common sense.

two nincompoops

A humorous and slightly archaic term for foolish people.

two dunderheads

Another term for a stupid or foolish person.

a couple of mules

Focuses on the animal aspect but uses a different type of pack animal.

two buffoons

Suggests foolishness combined with clownish behavior.

a brace of donkeys

Uses "brace" to indicate a pair of donkeys.

FAQs

How can I use "two asses" in a sentence?

You can use "two asses" to refer to two donkeys literally. Alternatively, it can be used colloquially to describe two foolish or stubborn individuals. However, be mindful of the potential for offense.

What are some less offensive alternatives to "two asses"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "two fools", "two idiots", or "pair of donkeys".

Is it appropriate to use "two asses" in formal writing?

No, "two asses" is generally not appropriate for formal writing due to its informal and potentially offensive nature. Opt for more professional and neutral language.

What is the difference between "two asses" and "two fools"?

"Two asses" is a more informal and potentially offensive way to refer to foolish individuals. "Two fools" is a more widely accepted and less abrasive alternative.