what a dick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a dick" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disapproval or frustration towards someone's behavior, often in an informal or colloquial context. Example: "I can't believe he said that to her; what a dick!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"What a dick".

The New Yorker

"What a dick I am.

The Guardian - Books

Played wrongly, Jackman told me, The Man could make the audience recoil and think, "Ugh, what a dick".

The New Yorker

I wondered if they were saying to one another, "What a dick".

Forbes

When multiple friends tell you that you have crossed so many moral lines in writing those emails, it finally made me realise what a dick I have been for the past few years blaming other people actions for the downfall and failure of blognation when the ultimate blame lies with me.

TechCrunch

'What a dick!,'" Newman replied.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

What a fucking dick".

The Guardian - Music

What an absolute dick I've been for most of my life.

The Guardian - Books

But if you do, all you seem to notice is just what a terse, humourless dick Edward is... and that finding a narcissist that looks like Gere and who has successfully dealt with his daddy issues with thousands of dollars worth of therapy is about as likely as marrying God himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

What a really, really pompous dick.

Huffington Post

One colourful commentator offered "It looks REALLY great (loved the rotating camera) but what a kick in the dick.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a dick" sparingly and consider your audience, as it is considered offensive by many. Opt for milder alternatives in professional or formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "what a dick" in situations where maintaining a respectful tone is crucial. It can easily damage your credibility and relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a dick" functions as an exclamatory expression. Ludwig confirms its usage to express strong disapproval or contempt towards someone's behavior. It's a subjective judgment conveyed with negative emotion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what a dick" is an informal and often offensive expression used to convey strong disapproval or frustration. Ludwig AI confirms its primary function as an exclamatory expression for condemning behavior deemed inconsiderate or obnoxious. While grammatically correct, its use should be limited to casual settings due to its offensive nature. Alternatives like "what an idiot" or "what a jerk" can be used in more formal contexts to express similar sentiments with less offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What an ass

Uses a different, but similarly offensive, term to describe an obnoxious person.

What a jerk

Substitutes "dick" with a milder term for an unpleasant person.

What an idiot

Replaces "dick" with a more general term for a foolish person.

That was a dick move

Rephrases to focus on the action being inconsiderate or mean.

He's such a tool

Uses a slang term implying someone is easily manipulated or foolish.

He's a real piece of work

An idiomatic expression for someone difficult or unpleasant.

How annoying

Replaces the noun with an adjective to express frustration.

That was an asinine thing to do

Substitutes with a more formal expression to denote foolish behavior.

That's outrageous

Shifts focus to the action's unacceptability rather than directly insulting the person.

That's unbelievable

Conveys disbelief and disapproval about someone's behavior.

FAQs

What does the phrase "what a dick" mean?

The phrase "what a dick" is a derogatory expression used to describe someone whose behavior is considered obnoxious, inconsiderate, or mean. It expresses strong disapproval.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "what a dick" in formal writing?

No, the phrase "what a dick" is highly informal and offensive. It is not appropriate for formal writing, professional settings, or any situation where respectful language is expected. Consider alternatives like "what an idiot" or "what a jerk".

What are some less offensive alternatives to "what a dick"?

Depending on the context, you can use milder alternatives such as "what an idiot", "what a jerk", "how annoying", or "that was inconsiderate".

How can I use "what a dick" in a sentence?

You can use "what a dick" to express your frustration or disapproval of someone's actions. For example, "I can't believe he lied to her face; what a dick!" However, be mindful of the potential offense it may cause.