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Vocabulary : Slang : American : pain | pain in the ass | pain in the butt

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pain | pain in the ass | pain in the butt American English

Meaning: an annoying or troublesome person or thing

For example:

  • Rosanne has been a real pain in the ass since she was voted prom queen. She thinks she's better than the rest of us now.

  • Getting all this spam email is such a pain in the butt. I wish they wouldn't send the damn stuff.

Variety: This slang is typically used in American English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz:

Someone might be called a "pain" if they
  1. complain about everything
  2. help lots of people
  3. make people laugh

Discuss: pain | pain in the ass | pain in the butt

Slang of the Day

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