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arse end

British slang for the worst, most inferior, or most undesirable part of something — be it a place, an organization, a period of time, or a situation.

ˈɑɹs ˈɛnd151 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

British slang for the worst, most inferior, or most undesirable part of something — be it a place, an organization, a period of time, or a situation. Typically used with obvious disdain: the "arse end" of a city is the run-down outskirts; the "arse end" of a deal is the losing side of it. The phrase is direct and mildly vulgar, common in everyday British speech and far less taboo in the UK than comparable terms would be in formal American contexts.

They'd been stationed at the arse end of nowhere for six months with no reliable internet.
Origin: From British English "arse" (buttocks) combined with "end" to form a metaphor for the tail, bottom, or worst portion of something; analogous to the American "ass-end." Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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#2·Apr 28, 2026

British slang for the inferior, last, or most undesirable part of something. The phrase the arse end of nowhere is a fixed expression meaning a remote, grim location. Also used temporally — the arse end of winter describes the final miserable stretch before things improve. Carries a resigned or dismissive tone. Very common in British English across registers; the vulgarity is mild by British standards.

They got posted to the arse end of the country for two years with nothing but sheep for company.
Origin: From arse (British English for buttocks) plus end; the back or bottom portion extended metaphorically to mean the worst or last part. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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Avoid at work
#3·Apr 26, 2026

(UK, slang, vulgar) The worst or inferior part.

For parents

Arse end means: The worst or inferior part.. It is informal slang, fine in casual speech but not suited to formal contexts. It carries sexual or vulgar connotations; not alarming on its own but worth understanding the context your teen heard it in. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

arse end means: The worst or inferior part.. Register: very informal, often derogatory or vulgar. Avoid in formal, business, academic, or polite writing. Even in casual speech the word can offend and is best left out of a learner's active vocabulary. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.

Cluster: general
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