kick ass

Note: This page may contain content that is offensive or inappropriate for some readers.

kick ass

1. verb, rude slang To defeat someone or something decisively. In this usage, a possessive noun or pronoun is used between "kick" and "ass." We weren't prepared for that game, and the other team kicked our asses.
2. verb, rude slang To physically attack one; to beat one up. In this usage, a possessive noun or pronoun is used between "kick" and "ass." I'll kick your ass if I ever see you talking to my girlfriend again.
3. verb, rude slang To be very effective or successful. This new strategy is really kicking ass and keeping the groundhogs away from my vegetable garden!
4. verb, rude slang To be excellent or exceptional. That move kicked ass! All movies should be like that!
5. verb, rude slang To motivate one or shock one out of complacency. In this usage, a possessive noun or pronoun is used between "kick" and "ass." The professor's speech today kind of kicked my ass and made me realize I need to start applying myself.
6. noun, rude slang Excellent or exceptional; awesome. In this usage, the phrase is hyphenated or spelled as one word. That was a pretty kick-ass roller coaster. Whoa, check out that kickass bike.
See also: ass, kick
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

kick ass

 and kick butt
Sl. to actively motivate people to do something. It looks like I'm going to have to kick ass to get people moving around here.
See also: ass, kick
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

kick ass

Also, kick butt. Punish or discipline harshly; also, defeat soundly. For example, That foreman's furious; he's going to kick ass before the day is over, or Our team is out to kick butt today. [ Vulgar slang; 1940s]
See also: ass, kick
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

kick ass

or

kick butt

mainly AMERICAN, INFORMAL, RUDE
COMMON
1. If a person in authority kicks ass, they behave in a strict and forceful way towards people in order to make them do things. We're going to kick ass to make sure that these departments deliver when they say they will. This guy was in charge. He was kicking butt.
2. If you kick ass, you do something in a very impressive and exciting way. I wouldn't do the show if I thought we were going to suck. But I know we're gonna kick ass. He was sold to America as a star who could really kick butt.
See also: ass, kick

kick someone's ass

or

kick someone's butt

mainly AMERICAN, INFORMAL, RUDE
1. If someone kicks your ass, they attack you or punish you. Dad would have kicked my ass for allowing you to sleep here. We can kick his butt if he gets out of line.
2. If someone kicks your ass, they defeat you easily in a competition. There are guys who won't qualify for the Open who could kick my ass most days. The Chicago team played tough there, let's kick their butt when they come here. Note: `Ass' and `butt' are informal American words for `bottom'.
See also: ass, kick
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

kick (some) ass (or butt)

act in a forceful or aggressive manner. North American vulgar slang
1995 Martin Amis Information You got to come on strong. Talk big and kick ass.
See also: ass, kick

kick someone's ass (or butt)

dominate, beat, or defeat someone. North American vulgar slang
See also: ass, kick
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

kick (some/somebody’s) ˈass/ˈbutt

(taboo, slang, American English) act in a very firm, controlling or aggressive manner: Now let’s kick some butt! ▶ ˈkick-ass adj. (taboo, slang, American English) very good: a kick-ass rock band
See also: ass, butt, kick
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

kick ass

and kick butt
tv. to actively motivate people to do something. (Usually objectionable.) It looks like I’m going to have to kick ass to get people moving around here. Do I need to get you guys down here and kick butt to get you to play ball like the team you are supposed to be?
See also: ass, kick

kick-ass

and bust-ass
1. mod. powerful and vigorous. (Usually objectionable.) The guy’s a real bust-ass bastard!
2. mod. really fine; excellent; cool. (Usually objectionable.) That was a real kick-ass party you had the other night!
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

kick ass

/butt Vulgar Slang
To take forceful or harsh measures to achieve an objective.
See also: ass, kick
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • at one's leisure
  • orient
  • orient to
  • orient to (something)
  • spiff up
  • spiffed up
  • back into
  • back into (someone or something)
  • angle
  • angling