das Arschloch
asshole
A vulgar and strong insult for a person perceived as mean, inconsiderate, or unfair.
EXAMPLE
Er hat mich einfach angelogen, so ein Arschloch!
He just lied to me, what an asshole!
das Arschloch
asshole
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Meanings
das Arschloch
asshole
The vulgar anatomical term for the anus, the opening at the end of the intestine.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt untersuchte den Patienten am Arschloch auf Hämorrhoiden.
The doctor examined the patient's asshole for hemorrhoids.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a direct compound of 'Arsch' (vulgar for butt) and 'Loch' (hole). This literal meaning is the basis for its use as a strong insult.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, wo du hintrittst, da ist ein tiefes Loch!
Watch where you step; there's a deep hole there!
Context clue
Whether the insult or the anatomical meaning is intended becomes clear from context. If people are talking about someone's behavior, it is the insult. If people are talking vulgarly about the body, it means the anus.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich allen gegenüber wie ein Arschloch verhalten.
He behaved like an asshole toward everyone.
Register: strong insult
This is a very vulgar and highly offensive swear word. It should only be used with great caution and in an appropriate informal context, because it is perceived as very hurtful.
EXAMPLE
Nenn mich nicht so, das ist eine Beleidigung!
Don't call me that; that's an insult!
Use as an insult
As an insult, the word can directly describe a person ('Er ist ein Arschloch' — he is an asshole) or be used as an exclamation of outrage ('So ein Arschloch!' — what an asshole!).
EXAMPLE
Er ist wirklich ein Arschloch, er hat mich nie zurückgerufen.
He really is an asshole; he never called me back.
Compare with
Arschloch vs Arsch
ass / asshole
Arsch and Arschloch can both be used as crude and vulgar insults for a person. Arschloch is usually the stronger and more explicit term for a person. Arsch can work as a somewhat more general insult, but it is also clearly offensive.
Arschloch
Nach seinem besonders rücksichtslosen Verhalten nannte sie ihn wütend ein Arschloch.
Angrily, she called him an asshole after his particularly inconsiderate behavior.
Arsch
Nach seinem unfairen Verhalten nannte sie ihn wütend einen Arsch.
Angrily, she called him an ass after his unfair behavior.
In real life
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