ass

UK: æs | US: æs

Definition

  1. n. 1. A hoofed mammal of the horse family, typically smaller and with longer ears; a donkey.

  2. n. 2. (vulgar slang) The buttocks or anus.

  3. n. 3. (informal, derogatory) A foolish or stupid person.

Structure
ass <donkey>ass <buttocks>
Etymology

The word "ass" has two distinct etymological paths:

  1. Donkey sense: Derived from Old English assa, likely borrowed from Celtic or Latin asinus (donkey). This term has been used since ancient times to describe the animal.
  2. Buttocks sense: A variant of "arse," from Old English ærs, tracing back to Proto-Germanic arsaz. The American English spelling "ass" emerged as a euphemistic alteration in the 19th century. The slang meaning "foolish person" (early 20th century) likely stems from the animal's stereotypical stubbornness.
Examples

  1. The farmer used an ass to carry heavy loads up the hill.

  2. He slipped and landed right on his ass.

  3. Don’t be such an ass—think before you speak!

  4. The biblical story of Balaam’s ass involves a talking donkey.

  5. She kicked the door shut with her backside, muttering, "Move your ass!"