big ass

¹ American  

[big as] / ˈbɪg ˌæs /

noun

Slang: Vulgar.

1. an important, self-important, or influential person; a big shot.

   I prefer the freedom of a low-budget indie to working under the directives of a Hollywood big ass.

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big-ass ² American  

[big-as] / ˈbɪgˌæs /

especially British, big-assed

adjective

Slang: Vulgar.

1. having large buttocks.

   The article called him a lazy, big-assed has-been.

2. very large and impressive.

   a marina full of big-ass yachts.

3. outstanding for a specified quality.

   a big-ass liar; another big-ass blockbuster.

4. important or self-important; influential.

   a big-ass attorney.

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Etymology

Origin of big ass¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Origin of big-ass²

First recorded in 1945–50; the British variant was first recorded in 1810–15 big-ass for def. 1; and big-ass for defs. 2, 3, 4, in 1995–2000.

Example Sentences

“I’ll get another big ass truck just to prove it to you.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2023

“Was it worth it? It’s a big ass question,” said Lilley, who was on the front lines of America’s Global War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan for almost 16 years.

From Reuters • Jul. 20, 2021

“My big ass foot stepped on the line,” Durant said.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2021

As beloved local performer Josh Hedley told me, “Basically if you’re looking for a hat that isn’t a gift shop Bret Michaels hat, a big ass cowboy hat, or a $600 custom—HatWRKS was it. Period.”

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2021

When he did I helped boost his big ass through the window and watched him fall into the bushes outside.

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña