What does "Asshat" really mean?

[Plaid Adder]

I have started using this word because something about it charms me, but I'm not sure where it came from or exactly what it's supposed to mean. To me, I don't know, it conjures up an image of an idiot wearing a really stupid-looking hat, perhaps one with ASS written on it in big red letters.

Does anyone know where this term actually came from?

The Plaid Adder

[Az]

1. An asshat is when you have your head up your ass n/t

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

2. yep

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=asshat

contrasted with assclown:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=assclown&r=f

[sniffa]

7. asscLown

(i'm pretty sure) started as a derogatory term for gay men.

[Plaid Adder]

4. Ah. Well, that's...vivid. n/t

[babylonsister]

3. You ask the right questions here, you

learn so much! :bounce:

[jocal]

5. I think it's one of these....

[madinmaryland]

6. I think its something like this . . . .

If the hat fits, wear it.

[lindsayg]

8. asshat

[aden_nak]

9. Never heard of assclown being derogatory towards gay men, but maybe.

Just never heard that definition of it. Though a lot of times any insult with the word "ass" gets grouped into that category, because of obvious ones like "ass pirate". . . which I was first introduced to when a gay friend of mine in college showed up wearing a shirt that had "Ass Pirate" written on it in "Olde English Fonte".

I've heard it used on television before, and towards people who were heterosexual, so if it did start with a projudiced meaning, I suspect that meaning has been lost on the mainstream culture.

[sniffa]

10. weLL

i first came to know the word via a certain wrestLer who caLLed his opponents asscLowns. it couLd stiLL mean idiot, but it certainLy seemed he was impLying they were gay.

i just hate that common foLk use the word so much.... it wasn't that witty when i first started hearing it.

[aden_nak]

11. You can just say Chris Jericho. It's okay, I understand. :P

[sniffa]

12. i don't want to impugn his character

because he's a great worker... terribLe musician, but great worker.

[aden_nak]

13. Yes, Fozzy is more or less "teh suck".

But no one does more work in that ring than he does, and for less credit. I have to agree.

[TheMightyFavog]

14. I was exposed to asshat on Fark.

My guess is it started on Fark, and blossomed from there.