Jackass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðĶ
jackass
[ËdĘÃĶk.És ]
Definition
common usage
Jackass is a colloquial term for a male donkey, but it is often used informally to refer to a foolish or obnoxious person. The term carries a negative connotation and is used to criticize someone's behavior or intelligence.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Don't be such a jackass, think before you speak!
- He acted like a jackass during the meeting.
- Stop being a jackass and help me with this.
- Why are you such a jackass to your friends?
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'jackass'
The word 'jackass' originates from the early 17th century, combining 'jack', a common name often used for male animals, with 'ass', which is a term for a donkey. The term 'ass' itself comes from the Latin word 'asinus', meaning 'donkey', which in turn relates to the Greek 'onos'. Over time, 'jackass' began to be used metaphorically to describe a person who behaves foolishly or clumsily. This figurative use likely stems from the donkey's reputation for stubbornness and simplicity. By the 19th century, the informal usage of 'jackass' as an insult had become quite common in English-speaking cultures, particularly in the United States. Today, the term remains prevalent in casual conversation to denote someone's lack of judgement or intelligence.