Rear end Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rear end

[rɪr ɛnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

car accident

The back part of a vehicle that is often damaged in a collision.

Synonyms

back bumper, backside, tail end.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rear end	Duplicate term, see 'rear end' above. Be careful when reversing; you don't want to damage the rear end of the car. He slipped and landed on his rear end.
backside	Informal and potentially impolite term for someone's buttocks. Used in casual or joking contexts, often to refer to a person's rear. He fell flat on his backside during the game. Watch out, or you’ll sit on your backside all day.
tail end	Refers to the very back or final part of something, often used to describe the end of an event or object. We arrived at the tail end of the concert. The tail end of the procession slowly made its way through the streets.
back bumper	Specifically refers to the protective barrier at the back of a vehicle. Used in automotive contexts. She accidentally backed into a pole, denting the back bumper. The back bumper of his truck is completely rusted.

Examples of usage

The rear end of the car was completely smashed in the accident.
The driver's insurance had to cover the cost of repairing the rear end.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

anatomy

The buttocks or backside of a person.

Synonyms

behind, bottom, buttocks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rear end	Used mostly in informal settings to refer to the back part of something, like a car or a person's body. It's less polite and can be a bit childish. He accidentally bumped into my car's rear end. My little brother fell on his rear end while skating.
buttocks	A formal and clinical term for the muscles at the back of the hips. Often used in medical, anatomical, or scientific contexts. The doctor examined his buttocks for infection. Strength exercises can tone your buttocks.
bottom	Often used in both formal and informal situations, referring politely to the lower part of a person's body or an object's base. Suitable for general use. He sat down on his bottom. The bottom of the jar was cracked.
behind	A polite and mild term to refer to the back side of a person’s body. Suitable for both informal and formal situations when you need to be discreet. The child hid behind his mother. She fell and landed on her behind.

Examples of usage

She slipped on the wet floor and landed hard on her rear end.
He sat on his rear end for hours watching TV.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Writers often use humorous expressions related to this part of the body to create comedic scenarios.
In children's literature, funny illustrations of characters falling or sitting often emphasize this area for laughs.

Pop Culture

The phrase appears frequently in comedies and sitcoms, often leading to laughter when characters discuss the topic.
In animated films, characters may comically refer to their rear end in silly situations.

Health & Anatomy

This area consists of muscles and fatty tissues, providing cushioning for sitting.
It plays a crucial role in posture and balance, supporting the lower body.

Psychology

People may feel self-conscious about their rear end due to societal beauty standards, affecting their body image.
Humor related to this topic can serve as a way to break tension or create bonds among friends.

Origin of 'rear end'

Main points about word origin

The term 'rear end' combines 'rear' meaning back and 'end' denoting the farthest part.
In the 19th century, it became a more polite way to refer to the buttocks in casual conversations.

The term 'rear end' originated in the early 20th century, primarily in the context of automobiles. It refers to the back part of a vehicle and has since been adopted to describe the anatomical region of the buttocks. The slang usage of 'rear end' to refer to the buttocks became more common in the mid-20th century.