hard-ass

noun

ˈhärd-ˌas

slang, often vulgar

: a tough, demanding, or uncompromising person

hard-assed

ˈhärd-ˌast

adjective often vulgar

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of hard-ass was in 1962

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Browse Nearby Words

hard as a rock

hard-ass

hardback

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hard-ass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-ass. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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