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asshole

American  
[as-hohl] / ˈæsˌhoʊl /

noun

Vulgar.
  1. anus.

  2. Slang.

    1. a stupid, mean, or contemptible person.

    2. the worst part of a place or thing.


adjective

  1. Slang. stupid, mean, or contemptible.

asshole British  
/ ˈæsˌhəʊl /

noun

  1. slang the arsehole See arse

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of asshole

1350–1400; Middle English arshole anus; ass 2, hole

Explanation

Asshole is a vulgar (dirty) slang word. Besides the literal meaning, it’s a common word for a jerk or idiot. If you call someone an asshole, they're probably doing something not just stupid and annoying, but mean. Like all slang words and obscenities, this is a word you need to be careful about using. Saying asshole in class, in a paper, at a job interview, or even on television could get you in serious trouble. If you’re not alone with your buddies, stick to a safer word like jerk or doofus.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Am I the asshole for uninviting them from my upcoming party after they insisted I uninvite the new wife?

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2024

"Cobra Kai" revisits the same characters over 30 years later and we're forced to reconsider that Daniel was a bit of an asshole and that Johnny was going through some shit.

From Salon • May 27, 2022

And yeah, it makes Boogie look like an asshole, but that’s part of this character.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2021

“I framed the story with me as the asshole dad because that’s my comedic persona and my fans and friends know it’s ‘a bit,'” Roderick wrote on his website.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 5, 2021

“For the most part. My roommate’s kind of an asshole, but you can’t win ’em all, I guess.”

From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone