When you use the word 'dumbass'?

[Anonymous]

I'm asking because English is not my first language..

does that mean dumb + a**hole ?

what's the actual usage ?

i looked up dictionary

but when I see TV show native speakers seems to use differently.

thanks

[Anonymous]

Dumbass is considered a mild swear word, but it really has to do with someone being foolish. Often, it's used if someone does something that is not only stupid, but also either annoying, inconsiderate or problem-causing. It is also used as an insult when someone doesn't know something that they probably should know.

Whereas, a**hole is a bit stronger swear word, and usually means a rude or mean person.

I'm not sure if this is true in other cultures, but someone young Americans do use swear words affectionately towards each other, but you have to be careful that this person is a close enough friend that they know you aren't insulting each other.

[DebiPie]

It's someone who is more than just dumb, and more than just stupid. So, you couldn't even call them a big dumb-stupid. Nooooo! They have done something so idiotic & dumb that it's ridiculously funny stupid mainly to themselves, thus, dumb ass.

[CestLolaVie]

All dumb-ass means is dumb really. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Asker]

so it is not abusive.

is it okay to use frequently? and say to friend? thanks ^^

[CestLolaVie]

Yes it is OK, it can be said without being offensive at all.

[birdy]

Actually, this is fine to use casually with friends, but don't say it to children or in a more formal setting because it's not really polite.

[Asker]

oh thanks ! and the word 'stupid' is more polite than dumbass? haha

[CestLolaVie]

No its not more polite, they're both on the same level.

[sketchy]

It has nothing to do with with the word "a**hole" - the derivation is completely different.

"Ass" is the American spelling of the word "arse" (ie. buttocks), so "a**hole" literally means "anus".

However, "ass" also has another altogether different meaning, which is that of a person who is foolish / stupid / stubborn. So "dumbass" literally means "stupid fool".

[Anonymous]

Just another word for idiot, generally said as a slight insult when someone does something dumb or stupid

[Asker]

OHH so ass means nothing I thought ass = a**hole! thanks!

[Opinion Owner]

Exactly, except sometimes when used in south park (tv series)

[moaterboat]

I would further define it to say that simply being stupid doesn't make one a dumbass, a dumbass is, in my opinion, someone who's stupidity causes grief for other people, which the said dumbass is completely ignorant of.

[ihatework]

it's used about every other word or so in my vocabulary, especially when I'm at work or driving somewhere.

[cun7n1nja]

Right?! Me too dude, me f.ucking too. -_-

[Matthew20031206]

Dumbass is considered a swear word, so that's why I always use a made-up substitute word called dumbalps.

[Anonymous]

I think dumbass is more or less a nicer way of saying a**hole. They essentially mean the same thing.