adj Common

anal

AY-nuhl

Anal (adj) means relating to or involving the anus. Example: “The doctor examined the anal area for signs of irritation.”

adj

Relating to or involving the anus.

"The doctor examined the anal area for signs of irritation."

Excessively focused on neatness, order, or small details; fussy and controlling (informal, short for "anal-retentive").

"He’s so anal about his desk that he lines up his pens by colour."

"She got anal about the seating chart for the wedding."

How to use anal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "related to the anus," or informally, "obsessively fussy about details."

When to use it

The "fussy" sense is informal and can sound blunt or slightly rude — use with care in professional settings.

Word forms

more anal comparative, analed past tense, analled past tense, anals plural, Anals plural, anals singular, most anal superlative

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The doctor examined the _____ area for signs of irritation.

Etymology

From Latin analis, from anus. The personality sense is shortened from the Freudian term "anal-retentive."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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fussy pedantic fastidious meticulous nitpicky perfectionist

Related words

careful detailed boring thorough surgical selective rigorous careless

Rhymes for anal

canal banal artisanal Guadalcanal

See all rhymes for anal →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'anal' and 'anal-retentive'?

They mean the same thing; 'anal' is simply the shortened, more casual form of 'anal-retentive'. Both describe a person who is overly concerned with tidiness, order, and minor details.

Is 'anal' meaning fussy formal or informal?

This sense of 'anal' is informal and can sound crude, so it is best kept to casual conversation. In formal writing, words like 'meticulous', 'fastidious', or 'fussy' are safer and clearer choices.

What is the difference between being 'anal' and being 'meticulous'?

'Meticulous' is usually a compliment, describing careful and thorough attention to detail. Calling someone 'anal' is critical, suggesting their focus on order and small details has become excessive or controlling.

What is the meaning of anal?

"anal" (adj) means relating to or involving the anus.

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careful detailed boring thorough surgical selective rigorous careless