Asshole is a slang term for the anus. This term is also used in a derogatory way to insult a person who is unfavorable or intolerable. The asshole is the entry to the rectum, a one-and-a-half-inch-long passage surrounded by two rings of muscles known as the external and internal sphincter.
The word asshole comes from the Germanic root word arsaz, which refers to the buttocks or backside. It’s believed that the term asshole dates back to the year 1500. It began to be used in a metaphorical sense, as a putdown, in the 1800s.
Asshole is spelled arsehole in British English.
More About Asshole
The term asshole is often used in informal discussions about sexual matters instead of anus because it is less clinical. While once seen as a shocking, vulgar term, it has now gained mainstream acceptance.
The asshole has many nerve endings, both inside and out, which make it pleasurable to touch. For this reason, many people stimulate the asshole as part of sexual play. This stimulation can involve caressing the asshole, putting a finger or toy inside it, licking it (known as analingus or rimming), fisting (which involves inserting several fingers or the entire hand inside the anus), or anal sex.
However, it’s important to note that sexually transmitted diseases can occur via the asshole. Performing analingus can put a person at risk for HPV, herpes, hepatitis, or parasites. A number of diseases, including HIV, can also be transmitted via anal sex. Even if a person does not have a sexually transmitted disease, the asshole contains natural bacteria which help it fight against infections. Observing proper hygiene is important when engaging in anal play to avoid transmitting these bacteria. The use of latex gloves, barriers, and condoms can make anal play safer. You should also never insert a penis or toy directly into the mouth or vagina after it’s been inside of an asshole.
