Arse
/ɑːs/noun
A vulgar term for the buttocks or anus, especially in British and Irish English.
Did you know?Old English wrote the word as ærs or ears, meaning “buttocks”—unrelated to the modern word “ears” for hearing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*orsos
“A reconstructed word meaning “buttocks” or “rear.””
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*arsaz
“The buttocks or backside.”
Old English
Old English
ærs / ears
“The buttocks; the rear of the body.”
Middle English
English
ers / ars
“The buttocks or anus.”
16th Century
English
arse
“The vulgar term becomes established in its modern spelling.”
Modern English
English
arse
“A vulgar British and Irish term for the buttocks or anus; also an insult for a foolish or objectionable person.”