English
10 English swear words you'll actually hear
A traveller's shortlist of English expletives, insults and exclamations — what they mean, and how strong they are.
Every language swears differently. This guide collects 10 English expressions you're genuinely likely to hear — from mild exclamations to properly strong stuff — and explains what each one actually means, not just its dictionary translation.
Burn Ratings are an approximate, cross-language heuristic. Context, region, tone and who's speaking all change how a word lands. Treat these as a guide, not gospel.
- 1hell 1/5 · Mild
Literally “place of damnation”. Mild exclamation or intensifier. Neutral in religious discussion; offensiveness varies by audience.
Full entry → - 2numpty 1/5 · Mild
Mild insult for a foolish person. Especially Scottish and British usage.
Full entry → - 3arse 2/5 · Coarse
Literally “buttocks”. Vulgar reference to the backside. British form; ass also has unrelated meanings.
Full entry → - 4
- 5assclown 2/5 · Coarse
Comic insult for an incompetent fool. Informal North American usage.
Full entry → - 6asshat 2/5 · Coarse
Literally “ass hat”. Comic insult for an obnoxious fool. Mainly North American slang.
Full entry → - 7balls 2/5 · Coarse
Literally “testicles”. Exclamation of disbelief; also courage in idioms. Literal sporting uses are neutral.
Full entry → - 8
- 9arsehole 3/5 · Vulgar
Literally “anus”. Vulgar insult for an obnoxious person. British spelling; American equivalent is asshole.
Full entry → - 10arsewipe 3/5 · Vulgar
Contemptuous insult for an unpleasant person. Especially British English.
Full entry →