the a-word
2
9.9
- noun
- NSFW
- She was shocked when her coworker let slip the a-word during the meeting.
Examples
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Parents often tell their children not to say the a-word at school.
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When he stubbed his toe, he accidentally muttered the a-word.
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Please don't use the a-word in front of the children.
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I can't believe you just said the a-word!
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Teachers often tell students to avoid using the a-word during class discussions.
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He quickly realized that saying the a-word could offend some of his friends.
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In some families, the use of the a-word is strictly prohibited.
Synonyms
95
8.2
A rude word used to show strong anger or surprise
90
9.6
The opening at the end of the body where poop leaves
26
7.1
A word people think is rude or not polite
26
9.9
A rude person who acts in a way that hurts or annoys others
24
7.7
A rude or offensive word with four letters used to show anger
11
5.8
A rude word people say to show strong anger or surprise
4
8.6
A rude word people say when they are angry
4
9.9
A very rude word used to insult someone
1
7.2
A rude word people say when they are angry or surprised
1
9.8
A rude word about sex or body parts
1
8.6
A rude word people use when angry or to insult someone
Surface Forms
Morphology
the + a-word
The phrase literally combines 'the' + 'a' + 'word', so a learner who knows those constituents can infer it refers to a word beginning with the letter 'a'. However, the euphemistic/taboo status and the specific offensive referent are pragmatic and culturally grounded rather than derivable from the parts alone, making the meaning only partially predictable.
Etymology
The a-word is a polite way to avoid saying a rude word that starts with 'a'. People say the letter a and the noun word instead of the real swear, for example 'ass' or 'asshole', so the a-word means 'an offensive word beginning with "a"'.