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Vocabulary : Slang : Quizzes : Insulting 5 : tight-ass

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tight-ass American English Offensive

Meaning: someone who's repressed and very strict about following society's rules

For example:

  • Don't be such a tight-ass, Rob. Let yourself have some fun for a change.

  • Our teacher is a real tight-ass. We never do anything fun in class.

Origin: possibly originated as a combination of "up tight" and "ass" or "asshole"

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

Quick Quiz:

A person who's often called a "tight-ass" is probably
  1. very strict
  2. really thin
  3. quite relaxed

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