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arse

n. · v.
US //ˈɑɹs// UK //ˈɑːs// ar·se
  1. 1 a rude or stupid person (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Slang Vulgar

    a person who is very annoying, stupid, or mean.

    a derogatory term for a person perceived as stupid, arrogant, or contemptible.

    Example

    Don't be such an arse and just help me with these bags.

    Example

    He made a complete arse of himself by shouting at the waiter in front of the entire restaurant.
  2. 2 to act silly (v.)
    C1 Advanced British English Slang Informal

    to waste time or behave in a silly way.

    to behave in a foolish or irresponsible manner; almost always used with 'about' or 'around'.

    Example

    Stop arsing about and finish your homework before dinner.

    Example

    The team spent the whole afternoon arsing around instead of preparing the presentation for the morning meeting.

    Usage

    Usually appears as the phrasal verb 'arse about' or 'arse around'.
    • mess around
    • fool around
Origin

From Middle English ars, ers, from Old English ærs, ears, from Proto-West Germanic ars, from Proto-Germanic arsaz (compare Dutch aars and German Arsch), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁órsos (“backside, buttocks”).

Idioms18 entries

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