die in the ass

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To fail to function properly.

Register: slang, vulgar

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

My computer died in the ass yesterday when I tried to turn it on.

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

To be left unresolved.

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 “die in the ass” mean?

To fail to function properly.

Is “die in the ass” formal or informal?

die in the ass is generally slang, vulgar.