arse
|arse|
🇺🇸
/ɑrs/
🇬🇧
/ɑːs/
rear; buttocks
Etymology
'arse' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ærs', from Proto-Germanic '*arsaz' meaning 'buttock, rump'.
'arse' changed from Old English 'ærs' to Middle English 'ars' and eventually became the modern English word 'arse'. It is cognate with German 'Arsch' and Dutch 'aarse/ars'.
Initially it meant 'buttock' and over time it has largely retained that core meaning, while also developing slang uses as an insult and in phrasal verbs.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
buttocks; the backside (chiefly British, informal/slang).
He slipped and landed on his arse.
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Noun 2
a contemptible or stupid person (insult; informal).
Don't be such an arse.
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Verb 1
to waste time or behave in a silly or unproductive way (often 'arse about/around').
Stop arsing about and get on with your work.
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Verb 2
to treat someone badly or cause them inconvenience (often 'arse someone about').
They arsed him about for weeks over the contract.
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Last updated: 2025/10/20 12:12