a pain in the arse

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pain in the arse

An especially irritating, aggravating, or obnoxious person, thing, or situation. Primarily heard in UK. You know, Jack, you may be my friend, but you can be a real pain in the arse sometimes! This calculus homework is a real pain in the arse. It's not that I don't understand it, it's just so tedious!See also: arse, pain

a pain in the arse

BRITISH, INFORMAL, VERY RUDE or

a pain in the ass

AMERICAN, INFORMAL, VERY RUDECOMMON If someone or something is a pain in the arse, they are very annoying. These people were an almighty pain in the arse to deal with. Note: The words bum and backside can be used instead of arse and the word butt can be used instead of ass. When I was bored, I was a pain in the bum. All this airport security's a pain in the butt. Note: `Arse', `ass', `backside', `bum' and `butt' are all informal words for `bottom'. See also: arse, pain