# jackass

/ˈdʒæˌkæs/ (US) · /dʒˈækæs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jackass
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a person who acts in a very stupid or annoying way. It is also an old name for a male donkey.

For teachers: a foolish or stupid person; a male donkey. Often used as a mild to moderate insult in informal speech.

## Examples

- Don't be such a jackass and just apologize.
- He made a total jackass of himself by shouting at the waiter in front of everyone.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the phrase 'make a jackass of oneself'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.