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Vocabulary : Slang : British : pain | pain in the arse | pain in the backside

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pain | pain in the arse | pain in the backside British and Australian English

Meaning: someone or something that's annoying or troublesome

For example:

  • Pete's new girlfriend is a real pain. She's got this annoying voice, and she never stops talking.

  • These staff meetings are such a pain in the backside. I don't even know why we have to come.

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

Quick Quiz:

Our new boss is a real pain in the arse. Everybody thinks he's
  1. easily hurt
  2. like a dictator
  3. got a painful illness

Discuss: pain | pain in the arse | pain in the backside

Slang of the Day

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