what an asshole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what an asshole" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disapproval or disdain towards someone's behavior or actions. Example: "After he lied to his friends, I couldn't help but think, what an asshole."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

What an asshole, probably.

The New Yorker

What an asshole, right?

The New Yorker

What an asshole".

The New Yorker

Thrilled Dear Thrilled: Jeez, what an asshole!

The New Yorker

"What an asshole," he said.

The Guardian - Film

What an asshole, am I right?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

What an asshole--definitely not a real writer.

Huffington Post

And it raises the even more important question, one for which I'd like to call in a range of cultural authorities, starting with the late Norman Mailer, to ask: What's an asshole?

The New Yorker

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] seethingSIR – What a flaming asshole.

The Economist

If the girl's an outsider, that's when she'll hiss, What a fucking asshole.

The New Yorker

What a fucking asshole.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider softening the phrase in professional or formal environments by using milder alternatives like "what a jerk" or "how inconsiderate".

Common error

Avoid using "what an asshole" in professional emails or formal presentations. The strong language can damage your credibility and create a negative impression. Instead, opt for more neutral language to criticize the behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what an asshole" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression used to convey strong disapproval, contempt, or frustration towards someone's behavior or character. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct, but its usage depends heavily on the context and audience. The Ludwig examples display situations where the expression serves to voice immediate negative reactions to specific actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Reference

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what an asshole" is a grammatically correct exclamatory phrase used to express strong disapproval or frustration. As noted by Ludwig, its appropriateness varies significantly based on context, with its usage being more common in informal settings and generally inappropriate in formal or professional environments. The phrase serves to convey negative sentiments quickly and directly. While examples from Ludwig show its appearance in news and media, alternative phrases such as "what a jerk" or "how inconsiderate" should be considered for more polite or professional communication. Ultimately, be mindful of your audience and the impact of such strong language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a jerk

Replaces a harsher term with a milder, more generally acceptable expression of annoyance.

what a fool

Shifts the focus from moral judgment to intellectual assessment, implying foolishness rather than malice.

how obnoxious

Replaces direct insult with an adjective describing the unpleasantness of the behavior.

that's awful

Expresses disapproval in a more general and less personal way.

that's terrible

Similar to "that's awful" but may carry a stronger sense of dismay or shock.

he's such a creep

Focuses on an unpleasant or disturbing character rather than a specific action.

he's so irritating

Highlights the annoying quality of the person's behavior.

he's really something

Uses sarcasm to imply disapproval, often with a tone of disbelief.

what a disappointment

Expresses sadness or disillusionment rather than direct anger.

that's just not right

Indicates a violation of moral standards or fairness in a mild and understated way.

FAQs

How can I use "what an asshole" in a sentence?

You can use "what an asshole" to express strong disapproval or frustration. For example, "After he cut in line, I thought, "what an asshole"."

What can I say instead of "what an asshole"?

You can use alternatives like "what a jerk", "what a fool", or "how obnoxious" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "what an asshole" in professional settings?

No, "what an asshole" is generally considered inappropriate for professional settings due to its strong and offensive nature. More polite expressions are preferable.

What is the difference between "what an asshole" and "what a jerk"?

While both phrases express disapproval, "what an asshole" is stronger and more offensive. "What a jerk" is a milder alternative suitable for less intense situations.