half-assed
UK[ˌhɑːf ˈɑːst]US[ˌhæf ˈæst]
adj
Done without care, effort, or thoroughness; incomplete or incompetent.
Morpheme Breakdown
half
assed
half
side, part
assed
Etymology
The term is a modern American slang compound, first attested in the mid-20th century. It combines 'half', with its inherent meaning of incompleteness, with the vulgar suffix '-assed', which intensifies the derogatory and dismissive quality of the descriptor. The construction follows a pattern similar to other slang adjectives like 'lame-assed' or 'smart-assed', where '-assed' adds a layer of crude emphasis. The literal implication of being "only partially endowed with an ass" evolved into the abstract, figurative meaning of performing a task in a careless, uncommitted, and patently inadequate manner.
Analysis
Structure: half + assed
- half: From Old English 'healf', meaning "side, part". In this compound, it conveys the sense of "partial" or "incomplete".
- assed: A slang suffix derived from the noun 'ass' (a vulgar term for the buttocks), used here to form an adjective implying poor quality, foolishness, or contemptible character.
Examples
He did a half-assed job of cleaning the kitchen, leaving grease on the stove.
We can't present such a half-assed proposal to the client; it needs more research.
Her half-assed attempt at an apology only made the situation worse.