What is the least vulgar but still natural (not overly formal) of these: Bum, bottom, backside, behind, rear end...
As she walked past him, he stared at her _________.
Asked
Active
Viewed 150 times
0
-
This is a highly subjective question hence my addition of the "colloquial" tag. The degree of vulgarity is specific to each persons ethics. A native of England might use bum, someone from Seattle in the USA might use backside. And even the vulgar forms might seem acceptable to some people. I was raised to never swear, so A$$ is considered vulgar, as is the formal "buttocks". – Nov 12 '20 at 20:29
-
@GWarner Buttocks is considered vulgar? That's crazy. It's the proper anatomical / medical term. – TypeIA Nov 12 '20 at 23:05
-
@TypeIA I know. I said vulgarity can be subjective. As a child I learned to not contradict grandparents skewed ethics and decorum. – Nov 13 '20 at 16:36
1 Answers
1
"Bum" A little bit naughty. Naughty enough to make five-year-olds giggle with the rudeness.
"bottom" Fairly standard. Common, but not vulgar.
"backside"/"behind"/"rear end" are all euphemisms. All equally polite.
The last three are the least vulgar, but none are rude enough to cause offence.
James K
- 217,650
- 16
- 258
- 452
-
Could she not have said "boil on their bum" or "boil on their behind" (and still preserve the alliteration) "Bum" is perhaps slightly naughty, but no more. – James K Nov 12 '20 at 22:43