like a fart in church

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

In a way that is very poorly received.

Register: slang, vulgar

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Rick's scam to palm her off on Huey went over like a fart in church, just like Huey had predicted. She had indignantly scolded him when he brought it up.

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

With great incongruity; so as to stick out like a sore thumb.

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 “like a fart in church” mean?

In a way that is very poorly received.

Is “like a fart in church” formal or informal?

like a fart in church is generally slang, vulgar.