From dumb + ass. It is likely that ¹ass (= donkey), not ²ass (= buttocks), was the original sense within this compound noun (solid compound or open compound), but neither sense is precluded, and many people today may uncritically parse the term in the latter way, even if it is misapprehensive. Apparent analogy with forms such as hard-ass and big-ass would naturally lend support to the second parsing. A similar synergy can be seen in the fact that the terms buttload and assload originated as literally meaning a cartload and the load transportable by a single donkey (respectively), but probably most English speakers today would assume that their derivation involves the buttocks.

Synonyms

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Related words

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Frequently asked questions

What does “dumbass” mean?

The word “dumbass” means (vulgar slang) A stupid or foolish person. In plain terms, a crude way of calling someone (or something) stupid.

How do you pronounce “dumbass”?

“Dumbass” is pronounced DUHM-as (/ˈdʌm.æs/ in IPA).

How do you use “dumbass” in a sentence?

Here is “dumbass” used in a sentence: “Only a dumbass would leave the car running with the keys inside.”

What part of speech is “dumbass”?

Depending on how it is used, “dumbass” can be a noun and an adjective.

Is “dumbass” a common word?

“Dumbass” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “dumbass” have?

“Dumbass” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (vulgar slang) A stupid or foolish person.

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