arse

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A stupid, pompous, arrogant, mean or despicable person.

Register: derogatory, slang, vulgar

Examples

“You're an arse,” Ellen said. ¶ “Please? You must like something about me …?” ¶ “I do. You're an arse. I just told you that. I feel comfy with you, because you're such an arse.”

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Used in similes to express something bad or unpleasant.

Register: slang, vulgar

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A person; the self; (reflexively) oneself or one's person, chiefly their body; (by extension) one's personal safety, or figuratively one's job, prospects, etc.

Register: slang, vulgar

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “arse” mean?

A stupid, pompous, arrogant, mean or despicable person.

Is “arse” formal or informal?

arse is generally derogatory, slang, vulgar.