The phrase "ass about" is a colloquial expression, where "ass" functions as a noun, and "about" serves as a preposition. Together, this phrase is often utilized in informal contexts.
/æs əˈbaʊt/
The expression "ass about" is often used in informal English to indicate being careless or confused about something. It can also imply a state of being foolish or making a mess of things. The phrase generally conveys a sense of disregard or lack of seriousness about a subject.
"Ass about" is not commonly used in formal writing and is primarily found in spoken language or informal contexts. It may appear in humorous or casual conversations.
Él estaba corriendo de un lado a otro como un tonto sobre el proyecto, sin hacer ningún progreso.
"Stop acting like an ass about your grades; they aren't that important in the grand scheme of things."
Deja de actuar como un tonto por tus calificaciones; no son tan importantes en el gran esquema de las cosas.
"Don't be an ass about this; just listen to the instructions carefully."
While "ass about" itself does not appear in many idiomatic expressions, the word "ass" is indeed featured prominently in various idioms and slang expressions. Here are some examples:
Encontré un billete de $100 en la calle; realmente tuve suerte.
"Kick ass" - To be very impressive or excellent.
Esa película realmente fue impresionante; ¡me encantó!
"Get your ass in gear" - To get moving or start working on something.
Tenemos una fecha límite mañana, ¡así que pon manos a la obra!
"Ass out" - To be left out or abandoned.
Estaba completamente dejado de lado cuando mis amigos me dejaron atrás.
"Ass for" - To ask excessively or inappropriately.
The word "ass" comes from the Old English "asa," which referred to a donkey. Over time, it evolved into a slang term for a foolish or inept person. The preposition "about" has roots in the Old English "abūtan," meaning "around" or "near."
In informal settings, "ass about" serves as a light-hearted or mildly derogatory term to comment on someone's behavior, emphasizing a lack of seriousness or focus.