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B1 Noun (plural) #42 가장 일반적인 13분 분량

asses

상위 42

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 asses 30초 만에

설명 asses in your Level:

The word 'asses' is the plural of 'ass.' At this level, you should know that an 'ass' is another word for a donkey. A donkey is an animal that looks like a small horse with long ears. When there is more than one donkey, we call them 'asses.' For example, 'The farmer has two asses.' It is a very old word. You might see it in picture books about farms or in very old stories. Most people today say 'donkeys' instead of 'asses.' You should also know that 'asses' can be a slang word for the part of the body you sit on. However, this is not a polite word to use. It is better to use 'bottom' or 'behind' if you want to be nice. If you see this word in a book, look at the pictures to see if it means animals or people. Remember to spell it with one 'e' and two 's's at the end. Don't confuse it with 'assess,' which is a different word you will learn later. In A1, just think of 'asses' as 'more than one donkey.'

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At the A2 level, you can understand that 'asses' has more than one meaning. The first meaning is the plural of the animal 'ass' (a donkey). These animals are known for being strong and carrying heavy things. You might read about them in fables or stories about history. The second meaning is more common in modern English but is informal. It refers to the buttocks (the part of the body you sit on). You might hear it in movies or songs. For example, 'They were sitting on their asses all day.' This means they were being lazy. Another way people use 'asses' is to describe people who are acting silly or stubborn. If someone says, 'Stop being asses,' they mean 'Stop being stupid.' This is a bit rude, so be careful. When you write, remember that 'asses' is plural. 'One ass, two asses.' Also, notice the spelling. It is different from 'assess,' which means to test or check something. At this level, try to use 'donkeys' for animals and 'fools' for people to stay polite.

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As a B1 learner, you should be aware of the different registers and contexts where 'asses' is used. In formal or literary contexts, 'asses' refers to donkeys. You will find this in the Bible, classical literature, and historical texts. It is the plural of 'ass,' a beast of burden. In informal, everyday English—especially in American English—'asses' is a plural slang term for buttocks. It is also used in many common idioms. For example, 'to work one's ass off' means to work very hard. In the plural, you might hear 'They worked their asses off.' Another figurative use is to describe people who are stubborn or foolish. 'They made asses of themselves' means they acted in a way that made them look stupid. You must be careful not to confuse 'asses' with the verb 'assess.' 'Assess' means to evaluate or estimate (e.g., 'to assess the damage'). They are pronounced differently; 'asses' has the stress on the first syllable, while 'assess' has it on the second. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right situation.

At the B2 level, you should master the idiomatic and metaphorical uses of 'asses.' While the literal meaning (plural of donkey) is straightforward, the word is frequently used in colloquial American English to add emphasis or express frustration. For instance, the phrase 'to get one's asses in gear' (referring to a group) means to start working or moving faster. You should also understand the cultural significance of the word. In the U.S., the donkey is the symbol of the Democratic Party, and 'asses' might be used satirically in political commentary. Furthermore, you should distinguish between British and American usage. In the UK, 'asses' is rarely used for the body part; 'arses' is the standard slang term there. In a B2 context, you should be able to identify the tone of a passage based on the use of this word. If a text uses 'asses' alongside words like 'livestock' or 'tillage,' it is agricultural. If it uses it with 'lazy' or 'stupid,' it is likely an insult or informal slang. Being able to navigate these shifts in register is a key skill at this level.

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For C1 learners, 'asses' represents a point of intersection between etymology, regional dialect, and social register. Historically, 'ass' (the animal) comes from the Old English 'assa,' while the anatomical 'ass' is a variant of 'arse.' The convergence of these two distinct words into a single spelling in American English has created a rich field for puns and double entendres in literature and media. You should be able to analyze how authors use 'asses' to evoke specific historical periods or to create a sense of gritty realism. In professional settings, you must be extremely careful to avoid this word unless referring specifically to the animal in a historical or zoological context. The confusion between 'asses' and 'assess' is a common error even among native speakers, and as a C1 student, you should be able to correct this in your own writing and that of others. You should also be familiar with the more obscure collective nouns, such as a 'pace of asses,' and understand how the word's meaning has been shaped by its use in fables (like Aesop's) to represent human fallibility.

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At the C2 level, you should have a comprehensive understanding of 'asses' as a linguistic artifact. This includes its role in the Great Vowel Shift and the subsequent rhotic and non-rhotic developments that led to the 'ass/arse' distinction in various English dialects. You should be able to discuss the word's presence in the works of Shakespeare or the King James Bible, where it carries a dignity that is entirely absent from its modern slang counterpart. In a C2 analysis, you might explore how the word functions as a 'contronym' of sorts—representing both a humble, hardworking animal and a vulgar anatomical reference. You should also be adept at using the word in sophisticated wordplay or irony, understanding exactly how its various meanings can be layered to produce a specific rhetorical effect. Furthermore, you should be aware of the legal and social implications of using such language in different jurisdictions and professional environments. Your mastery should extend to the most subtle nuances of tone, allowing you to use or avoid the word with total precision based on the desired impact on your audience.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

asses 30초 만에

The word 'asses' is the plural of 'ass,' primarily referring to multiple donkeys, which are sturdy animals used for carrying heavy loads.
In informal contexts, especially in American English, it is a slang term for the buttocks and is used in many common idioms.
Figuratively, 'asses' describes people who are acting foolishly or stubbornly, often appearing in the phrase 'making asses of themselves.'
It is crucial to distinguish 'asses' from the verb 'assess,' which means to evaluate, to avoid embarrassing mistakes in writing.

The term asses is the plural form of the noun 'ass.' Understanding this word requires a journey through both zoology and linguistic evolution, as it carries distinct meanings depending on the context in which it is deployed. Primarily, in a biological and historical sense, 'asses' refers to multiple members of the species Equus africanus asinus. These are domesticated beasts of burden, known for their incredible endurance, long ears, and distinctive braying sound. Throughout human history, these animals have been vital to agriculture and transport, particularly in arid and mountainous regions where horses might struggle. When a farmer speaks of his 'asses,' he is referring to his hardworking livestock. However, the word has a second, more informal, and often vulgar meaning in contemporary English, particularly in North American dialects. In this context, 'asses' refers to the buttocks of multiple people. This usage evolved from the older English word 'arse,' which underwent a phonetic shift in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. Furthermore, the word is frequently used figuratively to describe individuals who are behaving in a foolish, stubborn, or ignorant manner. If a group of people makes a series of poor decisions, a critic might say they are 'making asses of themselves,' drawing a parallel between their behavior and the perceived stubbornness of the animal.

Zoological Context: Refers to multiple donkeys, often used in historical, biblical, or agricultural texts to describe working animals.

The ancient caravan was led by several sturdy asses carrying heavy sacks of grain across the desert.

Informal Anatomical Context: A plural reference to the human posterior or buttocks, common in slang and casual conversation.

The gym was full of people working hard to tone their asses before the summer season.

In literature, the word 'asses' often appears to emphasize a character's folly. For instance, in William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' the character Bottom is famously transformed so that he has the head of an ass, leading to various puns about his nature. When we talk about 'asses' in a figurative sense, we are usually highlighting a lack of common sense. It is a word that bridges the gap between the natural world and human social critique. Because the word has such diverse applications, from the literal animal to the anatomical slang to the metaphorical insult, its meaning is entirely dependent on the environment in which it is spoken. In a church reading of the Old Testament, 'asses' is a respectful term for humble animals. In a comedy club, it is likely a punchline about human bodies. In a political debate, it might be a derogatory term for the opposition's perceived stupidity. This multi-layered nature makes 'asses' a fascinating study in how English words can shift in tone while retaining the same spelling and pronunciation. It is also important to note the spelling difference between 'asses' (plural noun) and 'assess' (verb meaning to evaluate), which is a very common point of confusion for English learners.

The professor warned the students not to act like asses during the formal gala.

Figurative Usage: Used to describe multiple people who are acting in a stubborn or foolish way.

Stop being such asses and just agree on a restaurant!

The wild asses of the African plains are much faster than their domesticated cousins.

Using the word asses correctly requires a keen awareness of pluralization rules and the specific register of your conversation. As a plural noun, 'asses' follows the standard rule of adding '-es' to words ending in 's.' This distinguishes it from the singular 'ass.' When you are constructing a sentence, you must ensure that your verbs and pronouns agree with this plural form. For example, you would say 'The asses are grazing,' not 'The asses is grazing.' If you are using the word in its zoological sense, it often appears in descriptive contexts or historical narratives. You might describe the physical attributes of the animals or their role in a specific task. For instance, 'The asses' long ears flicked back and forth as they navigated the rocky terrain.' Here, the possessive form 'asses'' is used, with the apostrophe following the 's' to indicate that the ears belong to multiple animals. This is a common area where writers stumble, often placing the apostrophe before the 's' by mistake.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Since 'asses' is plural, it must be paired with plural verb forms like 'are,' 'were,' or 'have.'

Several asses were seen wandering near the village well this morning.

Possessive Form: To show ownership by multiple asses, place the apostrophe after the final 's' (asses').

The asses' heavy loads were finally removed at the end of the long day.

In the informal or slang sense, 'asses' is often used in idiomatic expressions or to describe physical actions. For example, 'They worked their asses off to finish the project on time.' In this sentence, 'asses' is part of a common hyperbole meaning to work extremely hard. It is important to note that this usage is highly informal and should be avoided in professional or academic writing. Similarly, in a figurative sense, you might use 'asses' to criticize a group. 'They acted like total asses when they realized they lost the game.' Here, the word functions as a synonym for 'fools' or 'idiots.' The versatility of the word allows it to move between these different meanings, but the speaker must be careful to provide enough context so the listener knows which 'asses' are being discussed. If you are writing a story set in a medieval village, the reader will assume you mean the animals. If you are writing a script for a modern sitcom, the reader will likely assume the anatomical or figurative meaning. Clarity is achieved through the surrounding adjectives and the overall theme of the passage.

The mountain trail was too steep for horses, so we used asses instead.

Idiomatic Usage: Often used in phrases like 'bust their asses' or 'laughing their asses off' to show intensity.

The comedians were so funny that the audience members were practically laughing their asses off.

Don't let those asses get to you; they don't know what they're talking about.

The word asses resonates through a wide variety of environments, from the hallowed halls of religious institutions to the gritty dialogue of modern cinema. In religious and historical contexts, 'asses' is a frequent guest. The Bible, for instance, contains numerous references to these animals. You might hear a sermon discussing the 'wild asses' of the desert or the 'asses' used by biblical figures for travel. In these settings, the word is purely descriptive and carries no negative or vulgar connotation. Similarly, if you are reading classical literature or fables, such as those by Aesop, you will encounter 'asses' as central characters representing various human traits like patience, stubbornness, or simplicity. In these stories, the plural 'asses' is used to group these animals together in a moral lesson. If you visit a rural or agricultural community, particularly in parts of the world where traditional farming methods are still in use, 'asses' remains a standard term for the livestock.

Religious Texts: Commonly found in the King James Version of the Bible and other historical translations.

The scripture describes how the king arrived, riding upon one of his many asses.

Modern Media and Slang: Heard frequently in movies, TV shows, and stand-up comedy as a slang term for buttocks or fools.

In the action movie, the hero shouted at the villains to 'get their asses out of there!'

Conversely, in modern pop culture, the word 'asses' has a much sharper, more colloquial edge. In American movies and television, characters often use the word to refer to themselves or others in a physical sense. Phrases like 'get your asses in gear' or 'we're going to kick some asses' are staples of action and comedy genres. In these cases, the word is used to add emphasis, urgency, or a sense of 'toughness' to the dialogue. You will also hear it in the world of fitness and bodybuilding, where 'building better asses' is a common, albeit blunt, way of discussing gluteal development. Furthermore, in political contexts, particularly in the United States, the 'ass' (donkey) is the symbol of the Democratic Party. While the plural 'asses' isn't the official name, political cartoonists and commentators might use the term to refer to a group of Democratic politicians, sometimes with a double meaning intended to question their intelligence or stubbornness. Understanding where you hear the word helps you navigate the social landscape of the English language, ensuring you don't use a 'movie word' in a 'church setting' or vice versa.

The rancher kept a herd of asses to help carry supplies to the remote mountain cabins.

Political Symbolism: Refers to the donkey symbol of the U.S. Democratic Party, often used in satirical commentary.

The cartoonist drew several asses wearing blue hats to represent the party members.

Aesop's fables often feature asses who learn hard lessons about pride and humility.

One of the most frequent errors involving the word asses is confusing it with the verb 'assess.' While they look somewhat similar, they are entirely different parts of speech with unrelated meanings. 'Assess' (with two 's's at the end) means to evaluate, judge, or estimate the value of something. For example, a teacher might 'assess' a student's performance. 'Asses,' on the other hand, is always a plural noun. This mistake is particularly common in written English, where a simple typo can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Imagine a business report that says, 'We need to asses the situation.' This would be a highly embarrassing error, as it literally suggests a plural of donkeys or buttocks rather than a professional evaluation. Another common mistake is failing to recognize the difference in register. Using 'asses' in a formal essay to describe people's mistakes is usually too informal; 'fools' or 'idiots' might be better, or even more formal terms like 'misguided individuals.' Conversely, using 'asses' to describe animals in a very modern, urban setting might sound archaic; 'donkeys' is the more common contemporary term.

Spelling Confusion: Mixing up 'asses' (plural noun) with 'assess' (verb meaning to evaluate).

Correct: We must assess the risks. Incorrect: We must asses the risks.

Register Mismatch: Using the slang meaning in a formal context or the archaic animal meaning in a modern conversation.

Formal: The committee members were unwise. Informal: Those guys were being total asses.

Pronunciation can also be a pitfall. While 'asses' and 'assess' are spelled differently, their pronunciation is distinct. 'Asses' is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable (/ˈæs.ɪz/), while 'assess' is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable (/əˈses/). Learners often struggle with this stress shift, which can lead to further confusion for the listener. Additionally, there is the regional difference between British and American English. In the UK, 'asses' is almost exclusively used for donkeys or fools. If a British person wants to refer to buttocks, they will use 'arses.' An American using 'asses' in London might be understood, but it will sound distinctly American. Conversely, a British person using 'arses' in New York might sound quaint or overly British. Finally, learners sometimes over-pluralize the word, adding an extra 'es' or 's' (like 'asseses'), which is grammatically incorrect. Remembering that 'asses' is already the plural form of 'ass' is key to avoiding these morphological errors.

The farmer had ten asses (correct), not ten asseses (incorrect).

Pronunciation Error: Misplacing the stress can make 'asses' sound like 'assess' or vice versa.

Remember: ASS-es (the noun) vs. uh-SESS (the verb).

They made asses of themselves by arguing in public about something so trivial.

Because the word asses has several distinct meanings, there are many alternatives you can use depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. If you are referring to the animals, the most common and neutral synonym is 'donkeys.' This word is universally understood and lacks the potential for vulgarity that 'asses' carries. In more specific contexts, you might use 'burros' (especially in the Southwestern United States and Mexico) or 'mules' (though a mule is technically a cross between a horse and a donkey). If you are writing a scientific paper, you might use the term 'equines' or the specific species name 'asinus.' Choosing the right word for the animal depends on the level of formality and the geographical setting of your writing. For example, 'burros' evokes a specific imagery of the desert, while 'donkeys' is more general.

Animal Alternatives: Donkeys (neutral), Burros (regional), Mules (related hybrid), Equines (scientific).

The donkeys were much more cooperative than the horses on the narrow path.

Anatomical Alternatives: Buttocks (formal), Bottoms (polite), Behinds (casual), Rear ends (neutral).

The children sat on their bottoms in a circle for story time.

When using 'asses' as a figurative insult, there are countless synonyms that vary in intensity. 'Fools,' 'idiots,' 'buffoons,' and 'nitwits' are all excellent alternatives that convey a similar sense of stupidity without the vulgar undertones. If you want to emphasize stubbornness specifically, you might use 'mules' (as in 'stubborn as a mule') or 'blockheads.' In a more professional setting, you might describe people as 'unwise,' 'imprudent,' or 'short-sighted.' For the anatomical meaning, 'buttocks' is the correct medical and formal term. 'Bottoms,' 'behinds,' and 'rear ends' are polite and common in everyday conversation. In British English, as mentioned before, 'arses' is the direct equivalent of the American slang 'asses.' Understanding these alternatives allows you to tailor your language to your specific needs, ensuring you are always appropriate for the situation. It also helps you avoid repetitive language in your writing. By swapping 'asses' for 'donkeys' or 'fools,' you can maintain the reader's interest and provide more precise descriptions.

They were acting like total buffoons at the party last night.

Figurative Alternatives: Fools (general), Buffoons (clownish), Nitwits (silly), Blockheads (stubborn).

The manager called them imprudent for ignoring the safety warnings.

The burros of the Grand Canyon are famous for carrying tourists down the trails.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The shift from 'arse' to 'ass' in America was partly due to the loss of the 'r' sound in certain dialects, making the two words sound identical over time.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈæs.ɪz/

US /ˈæs.əz/

Primary stress is on the first syllable (ASS-es).

라임이 맞는 단어

classes passes masses glasses grasses surpasses molasses crevasses

자주 하는 실수

Stressing the second syllable, which makes it sound like 'assess.'
Pronouncing the 'a' like 'ah' (as in 'father'), which is less common in American slang.
Failing to pronounce the final 'z' sound clearly.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'axes.'
Pronouncing it as a single syllable 'ass-s'.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, but watch for 'assess' confusion.

쓰기 4/5

Requires careful spelling and awareness of register.

말하기 5/5

Pronunciation stress is key to avoid being misunderstood.

듣기 3/5

Context usually makes the meaning clear.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

ass donkey animal body fool

다음에 배울 것

assess stubborn asinine buttocks idiom

고급

lexicography etymology vernacular pejorative equine

알아야 할 문법

Pluralization of words ending in 's'

ass -> asses, bus -> buses

Possessive of plural nouns ending in 's'

the asses' ears

Subject-verb agreement with plural nouns

The asses are (not is) here.

Stress-based word differentiation

ASS-es (noun) vs. uh-SESS (verb)

Use of 'such' with plural nouns for emphasis

They were such asses!

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수준별 예문

The farmer has three asses.

Le fermier a trois ânes.

Plural of 'ass' (animal).

I see two asses on the farm.

Je vois deux ânes à la ferme.

Plural noun.

Asses have long ears.

Les ânes ont de longues oreilles.

General statement about the species.

The asses are eating grass.

Les ânes mangent de l'herbe.

Present continuous with plural subject.

Do you like the asses?

Aimes-tu les ânes ?

Interrogative sentence.

These asses are very small.

Ces ânes sont très petits.

Demonstrative adjective 'these' with plural noun.

The asses carry the bags.

Les ânes portent les sacs.

Simple present tense.

There are many asses in the village.

Il y a beaucoup d'ânes dans le village.

Existential 'there are' with plural noun.

They were acting like asses at the party.

Ils se comportaient comme des imbéciles à la fête.

Figurative use meaning 'fools'.

The asses walked slowly up the hill.

Les ânes montaient lentement la colline.

Past tense with plural subject.

Don't be asses, just help me!

Ne soyez pas idiots, aidez-moi tout simplement !

Imperative with figurative plural noun.

We saw wild asses in the desert.

Nous avons vu des ânes sauvages dans le désert.

Adjective 'wild' modifying the noun.

The asses' ears are very soft.

Les oreilles des ânes sont très douces.

Possessive plural (apostrophe after 's').

They sat on their asses all afternoon.

Ils sont restés assis sur leur derrière tout l'après-midi.

Informal slang for buttocks.

Are those asses or horses?

Sont-ce des ânes ou des chevaux ?

Comparison of two plural nouns.

The asses brayed loudly at night.

Les ânes ont brait bruyamment pendant la nuit.

Specific verb 'bray' used with the animal.

The ancient texts mention many asses used for trade.

Les textes anciens mentionnent de nombreux ânes utilisés pour le commerce.

Historical context.

They worked their asses off to pass the exam.

Ils ont travaillé d'arrache-pied pour réussir l'examen.

Idiomatic slang for working hard.

Stop making asses of yourselves in public.

Arrêtez de vous ridiculiser en public.

Reflexive idiom 'make asses of oneself'.

The asses were laden with heavy spices.

Les ânes étaient chargés d'épices lourdes.

Passive voice with plural subject.

It is hard to distinguish between different types of asses.

Il est difficile de distinguer les différents types d'ânes.

Infinitive phrase following 'it is hard to'.

They were such asses to believe that lie.

Ils étaient tellement idiots de croire ce mensonge.

Exclamatory 'such' with plural noun.

The herd of asses moved across the plain.

Le troupeau d'ânes se déplaçait à travers la plaine.

Collective noun 'herd' followed by 'of asses'.

We need to move our asses if we want to catch the train.

Nous devons nous bouger si nous voulons attraper le train.

Informal idiom meaning 'to hurry'.

The political cartoon depicted the candidates as stubborn asses.

La caricature politique représentait les candidats comme des ânes têtus.

Metaphorical usage in media.

They've been sitting on their asses instead of looking for jobs.

Ils sont restés les bras croisés au lieu de chercher du travail.

Present perfect continuous with informal slang.

The asses' stubbornness is legendary in local folklore.

L'entêtement des ânes est légendaire dans le folklore local.

Possessive plural noun as a subject modifier.

You're all acting like total asses, and it's embarrassing.

Vous vous comportez tous comme de parfaits imbéciles, et c'est embarrassant.

Direct address with plural figurative noun.

The wild asses of Somalia are critically endangered.

Les ânes sauvages de Somalie sont en danger critique d'extinction.

Scientific/Conservation context.

They really saved our asses by finishing the report early.

Ils nous ont vraiment sauvé la mise en finissant le rapport tôt.

Informal idiom 'save someone's ass' in plural.

The asses were used to pull the heavy carts through the mud.

Les ânes étaient utilisés pour tirer les lourdes charrettes dans la boue.

Past passive with purpose clause.

I'm tired of these asses telling me what to do.

J'en ai assez de ces idiots qui me disent quoi faire.

Demonstrative 'these' with derogatory plural noun.

The biblical narrative frequently employs asses as symbols of humility.

Le récit biblique utilise fréquemment les ânes comme symboles d'humilité.

Academic/Literary analysis.

Critics argued that the directors were making asses of themselves with the remake.

Les critiques ont soutenu que les réalisateurs se ridiculisaient avec le remake.

Reported speech with figurative idiom.

The anatomical shift from 'arse' to 'asses' in American English is a noted linguistic phenomenon.

Le passage anatomique de 'arse' à 'asses' en anglais américain est un phénomène linguistique noté.

Linguistic terminology.

A pace of asses was seen grazing near the ruins of the abbey.

Un groupe d'ânes a été vu en train de paître près des ruines de l'abbaye.

Use of the specific collective noun 'pace'.

They worked their asses to the bone to ensure the gala's success.

Ils se sont tués à la tâche pour assurer le succès du gala.

Intensified informal idiom.

The satirical piece mocked the 'asses' in the legislature for their inaction.

La pièce satirique se moquait des 'ânes' de la législature pour leur inaction.

Use of quotes to indicate metaphorical irony.

He described the wild asses' braying as a haunting sound in the night.

Il a décrit le braiment des ânes sauvages comme un son obsédant dans la nuit.

Complex possessive structure.

The soldiers were ordered to get their asses in line immediately.

Les soldats ont reçu l'ordre de se mettre en rang immédiatement.

Military slang/Informal command.

The juxtaposition of the noble horse and the lowly asses serves as a central motif in the poem.

La juxtaposition du noble cheval et des humbles ânes sert de motif central dans le poème.

Literary criticism.

One must distinguish between the zoological 'asses' and the colloquialisms derived from 'arse.'

Il faut distinguer les 'ânes' zoologiques des colloquealismes dérivés de 'arse'.

Formal scholarly tone.

The protagonist's folly is underscored by his tendency to surround himself with asses.

La folie du protagoniste est soulignée par sa tendance à s'entourer d'imbéciles.

Character analysis.

The etymological trajectory of 'asses' reveals much about the prudery of 19th-century American lexicography.

La trajectoire étymologique de 'asses' en dit long sur la pruderie de la lexicographie américaine du XIXe siècle.

Historical linguistics.

They were perceived as mere asses, beasts of burden for the colonial administration.

Ils étaient perçus comme de simples ânes, des bêtes de somme pour l'administration coloniale.

Metaphorical social critique.

The author uses the term 'asses' to evoke a specific, earthy vernacular common to the region.

L'auteur utilise le terme 'asses' pour évoquer un vernaculaire spécifique et terre-à-terre commun à la région.

Stylistic analysis.

To call them asses would be an insult to the intelligence of the actual animals.

Les qualifier d'ânes serait une insulte à l'intelligence des animaux réels.

Ironic hyperbole.

The sheer number of asses required for the expedition was unprecedented in the annals of local history.

Le nombre impressionnant d'ânes requis pour l'expédition était sans précédent dans les annales de l'histoire locale.

Formal historical narrative.

자주 쓰는 조합

wild asses

stubborn asses

work their asses off

sit on their asses

making asses of

herd of asses

load the asses

kick some asses

save our asses

bunch of asses

자주 쓰는 구문

To make asses of themselves

— To act in a way that makes one look foolish or ridiculous.

They made asses of themselves by shouting in the library.

To work their asses off

— To work extremely hard at a task.

The team worked their asses off to meet the deadline.

To sit on their asses

— To be lazy or do nothing when action is required.

While I cleaned, they just sat on their asses.

To get their asses in gear

— To start moving or working more effectively and quickly.

Tell them to get their asses in gear or we'll be late.

To save their asses

— To rescue someone from a difficult or dangerous situation.

The backup generator saved our asses during the blackout.

To bust their asses

— To exert a great deal of effort, similar to working one's ass off.

They busted their asses to get the stage ready.

To laugh their asses off

— To laugh very hard and uncontrollably.

We were laughing our asses off at his jokes.

To drag their asses

— To move very slowly or reluctantly.

They were dragging their asses all morning.

To kick some asses

— To defeat someone decisively or to take forceful action.

The coach told the players to go out and kick some asses.

To kiss their asses

— To flatter someone excessively to gain favor.

He's always kissing the bosses' asses.

자주 혼동되는 단어

asses vs assess

A verb meaning to evaluate. 'We need to assess (not asses) the situation.'

asses vs axes

The plural of 'axis' or 'axe.' Sounds similar but spelled differently.

asses vs assets

Valuable things or properties. Often confused in business contexts.

관용어 및 표현

"Between two stools one falls to the ground"

— While not using 'asses,' this is related to the fable of the ass that couldn't choose between two piles of hay.

He tried to please both sides and ended up with nothing; between two stools one falls.

Literary

"Smart asses"

— People who think they are clever in a way that is annoying to others.

I don't need any smart asses giving me advice.

Informal

"Dumb asses"

— A very rude way to call people extremely stupid.

Those dumb asses forgot to lock the door.

Vulgar Slang

"Lazy asses"

— People who are unwilling to work or use energy.

Get those lazy asses off the couch!

Informal

"To move one's asses"

— To hurry up or start taking action.

Move your asses, the bus is leaving!

Informal

"To cover one's asses"

— To take action to protect oneself from future criticism or blame.

They are just trying to cover their asses before the audit.

Informal

"To talk out of one's asses"

— To say things that are not true or that one does not understand.

Ignore them; they're just talking out of their asses.

Slang

"To have one's asses in a sling"

— To be in serious trouble or in a very difficult position.

If this fails, we'll all have our asses in a sling.

Slang

"To bet one's asses"

— To be absolutely certain about something.

You can bet your asses that they'll be late.

Slang

"To not know one's asses from one's elbows"

— To be completely ignorant or incompetent.

Those new recruits don't know their asses from their elbows.

Slang

혼동하기 쉬운

asses vs assess

Similar spelling and sound.

'Assess' is a verb for judging; 'asses' is a plural noun for donkeys or buttocks.

The teacher will assess the students' work.

asses vs arses

Same meaning in different dialects.

'Arses' is British; 'asses' is American (for the slang meaning).

Get your arses in gear! (UK)

asses vs donkeys

Synonyms.

'Donkeys' is always neutral; 'asses' can be vulgar or archaic.

The donkeys are in the barn.

asses vs mules

Similar animals.

A mule is a hybrid; an ass is a pure species.

Mules cannot have babies.

asses vs assets

Similar sound.

'Assets' are things you own; 'asses' are animals or body parts.

The company has many assets.

문장 패턴

The [noun] are [adjective].

The asses are small.

They were acting like [noun].

They were acting like asses.

They [verb] their asses off.

They worked their asses off.

Stop [verb]-ing like total asses.

Stop behaving like total asses.

The [adjective] asses of the [place]...

The wild asses of the desert...

To [verb] them asses would be [noun].

To call them asses would be an understatement.

The [noun]' [part] are [adjective].

The asses' ears are long.

We need to [verb] our asses.

We need to move our asses.

어휘 가족

명사

ass (singular)

asses (plural)

jackass

wild-ass

동사

ass (slang, to behave like an ass)

형용사

asinine

ass-like

사용법

frequency

Common in American slang; moderate in general literature.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'asses' instead of 'assess' in a report. → We need to assess the budget.
'Assess' is the verb for evaluation; 'asses' is a noun.
Saying 'The asses is in the field.' → The asses are in the field.
'Asses' is plural and needs a plural verb.
Writing 'the ass's' for multiple animals. → the asses' loads
For plural possessive, the apostrophe goes after the 's'.
Using 'asses' to mean 'bottoms' in a formal speech. → The children sat on their bottoms.
'Asses' is too informal/vulgar for formal settings.
Pronouncing 'asses' like 'uh-SESS'. → ASS-iz
The stress must be on the first syllable for the noun.

팁

Check your S's

Remember: 2 S's at the end = animals/slang. 4 S's total (2 at the end) = evaluate (assess).

Use 'Donkeys' for Safety

If you are unsure about the social situation, always use 'donkeys' to avoid accidental vulgarity.

Biblical vs. Modern

In a church or history class, 'asses' is a normal word. In a bar or movie, it is slang.

Possessive Plural

When writing about the ears of many donkeys, it is 'asses' ears' (apostrophe at the end).

Stress the Start

Always stress the 'ASS' part of the word. If you stress the 'ESS' part, people will think you mean 'assess.'

American Slang

The anatomical meaning of 'asses' is very American. In the UK, it's 'arses.'

Work Hard

The phrase 'work their asses off' is very common but very informal. Use 'work very hard' in formal writing.

Avoid Repetition

If you are writing about donkeys, mix 'asses' with 'donkeys' and 'beasts of burden' to keep it interesting.

Listen for the Schwa

In American English, the 'e' in 'asses' often sounds like a very short 'uh' sound.

Puns

Because of its double meaning, 'asses' is often used for jokes in English. Be prepared for puns!

암기하기

기억법

Think of two **ASS**es (donkeys) carrying two **ES**ses (sacks) of grain. Or, remember: 'Assess' has four 's's for evaluation, 'Asses' has two 's's for the animal.

시각적 연상

Imagine a group of donkeys (asses) wearing glasses (rhyme) while sitting on their asses (slang).

Word Web

donkey stubborn buttocks fool animal slang plural equine

챌린지

Write a short paragraph using 'asses' in all three ways: as an animal, as a body part, and as an insult.

어원

The word 'ass' for the animal comes from the Old English 'assa,' which was likely borrowed from a Celtic source related to the Latin 'asinus.' The anatomical 'ass' is a variant of the Middle English 'ars' or 'erse,' which has Proto-Indo-European roots meaning 'buttocks.'

원래 의미: A beast of burden; a donkey.

Germanic (Old English), with Latin and Celtic influences.

문화적 맥락

Highly informal and potentially offensive. Use with caution in professional or mixed company.

Usage varies wildly; very common in US slang, more restricted to 'donkey' or 'fool' in the UK.

Balaam's Ass (Bible) Nick Bottom (Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream) The Democratic Donkey symbol

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Farming/Agriculture

tending the asses
loading the asses
breeding asses
asses and mules

Informal Arguments

stop being asses
you're acting like asses
don't be such asses
bunch of asses

Work/Effort

working our asses off
busting our asses
get your asses moving
save our asses

Literature/Fables

the wild asses
the ass's shadow
fable of the asses
humble asses

Fitness/Gym

toning our asses
working those asses
building better asses
sore asses

대화 시작하기

"Have you ever seen wild asses in their natural habitat?"

"Why do you think people use 'asses' as an insult for stubbornness?"

"Is the word 'asses' considered very rude in your native language?"

"Do you know any famous stories or fables that feature asses?"

"How do you remember the difference between 'asses' and 'assess'?"

일기 주제

Describe a time when you or your friends made asses of yourselves. What happened?

Write a short story about a farmer who relies on his faithful asses for survival.

Compare the different meanings of 'asses' and how context changes them.

Discuss the cultural symbolism of the donkey (ass) in your country.

Reflect on a time you worked your ass off for something. Was it worth it?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It depends on the context. When referring to donkeys, it is perfectly fine. When referring to buttocks or as an insult, it is considered informal slang and can be offensive in polite or professional settings.

They refer to the same animal. 'Donkeys' is the modern, common term. 'Asses' is older, more biblical, and also used as slang for other things.

That is 'assess,' with four 's's (a-s-s-e-s-s).

Generally, no. It is too informal and potentially vulgar. Use 'buttocks' if you must refer to the body part, or 'fools' if you are criticizing someone (though even that might be too harsh).

It is plural. The singular is 'ass.'

It started as an insult against Andrew Jackson, who was called a 'jackass.' He liked the comparison and used it to show he was strong-willed. Later, cartoonist Thomas Nast made it the official symbol.

Yes, 'asses' rhymes with 'passes,' 'classes,' and 'glasses.'

A group of asses can be called a 'herd,' a 'drove,' or the more poetic 'pace.'

Yes, but mostly to mean donkeys or fools. For the body part, British people usually say 'arses.'

Pronounce it with the stress on the first syllable: ASS-iz.

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