- Done with minimal effort, care, or completeness; performed poorly, lazily, or inadequately.
Explanation
Origin
- American slang, likely from the early to mid-20th century.
- Ass here represents the whole effort or person. Half-assed implies putting in only half the necessary effort or attention.
- Considered informal and vulgar due to the use of ass.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (Milder):
- Sloppy / Lazy / Careless
- Phoned it in (Did with minimal effort, as if over the phone)
- Didn't really try.
- Shoddy
- Did a rush job.
Vulgar/Emphatic (Similar or stronger):
- Half-arsed (UK/Aus spelling/pronunciation)
- Shitty / Crappy / Piss-poor (Describing the poor quality result)
- Didn't give a shit. (Didn't care at all)
Milder/More Formal:
- Insufficient effort was shown.
- The work was performed carelessly/negligently.
- It appears rushed/incomplete.
- Executed perfunctorily.
- Substandard work.
- Lacking due diligence.
Situational Appropriateness
- Highly informal and vulgar/crude.
- Avoid in formal settings, professional communication (unless perhaps among very familiar colleagues in private), or polite company.
- Can sound aggressive, insulting, and unprofessional. Use with extreme caution.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The main risk is using this vulgar term in an inappropriate context. The meaning itself (poor effort) is usually clear.
Examples
- Don't give me a half-assed apology; either mean it or don't apologize.
- This cleanup job is half-assed; there's still dust everywhere.
- He submitted a half-assed report that was full of errors.
Dialogue
Coach: Johnson, that was a half-assed effort on that last drill! Jogging instead of sprinting?
Player: Sorry, coach. I'm tired.
Coach: Tired isn't an excuse! Give me 100% or get off the field. Now do it again, properly!
Social Media Examples
- Self-deprecating humor: My attempt at tidying my desk was so half-assed, it looks worse now. 😂 #fail #procrastination
- Complaint (casual): This instruction manual is totally half-assed. Missing half the steps! #DIY #frustrated
- Rant: Tired of people putting in half-assed effort and expecting full credit. #workrant #dobetter
Response Patterns
- Defensiveness: Hey, I tried my best! / What's wrong with it?
- Acknowledgment/Apology: Yeah, you're right. I rushed it. Sorry. / Ouch. Okay, I'll redo it properly.
- Excuses: I didn't have enough time.
- Annoyance: Well, do it yourself then!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Explaining *why* the effort is considered inadequate.
- Demanding the task be redone properly.
- Expressing disappointment or frustration with the lack of care.
- Imposing consequences for the poor work.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to criticize a specific piece of work or effort.
Intonation
- Critical, dismissive, or annoyed tone.
- Strong stress on HALF-ASSED. That was a HALF-ASSED attempt.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood by adults. Usage might be more common among younger generations (Gen X onwards) in very casual, informal peer groups. Older generations or those in more formal environments may find it particularly offensive.
Regional Variations
- Common in North American English. Understood in UK/Aus/NZ but perhaps considered slightly harsher or more American. British English might prefer half-arsed.