arse

"Arse" n. 1. Arse is usually a derogatory term used to label one's posterior or backside or bum or what have you and 2. Arse can be used with the same derogatory inference to describe a person. In Australian variation English, depending on the context, "arse" might connote something with a more neutral inference adding humour to the flavour of a discussion. In American variation English, "arse" is usually written and pronounced "ass". In Standard English, "ass" connotes mules or donkeys. As English has become the 'international language' and many countries have adopted English as their national language as a consequence of British imperialism, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, over time the language has been adapted to the local landscape and been shaped by various influences. Examples like the 'arse/ass' dichotomy abound. In Australia, no one gets upset if they are asked if they are "crook". Americans rebound in insulted horror at the use of the word "crook" to describe their well-being.