kick-ass

or kick·ass

[ kik-as ]

adjective

, Slang.

1. strikingly or overwhelmingly tough, aggressive, powerful, or effective:

   He finally built himself a kick-ass computer.

kick ass

verb

1. to be impressive, esp in a forceful way

   pop music that kicks ass

adjective

1. forceful, aggressive, and impressive

Word History and Origins

Origin of kick-ass¹

kick + -ass

Idioms and Phrases

Also, kick butt . Punish or discipline harshly; also, defeat soundly. For example, That foreman's furious; he's going to kick ass before the day is over , or Our team is out to kick butt today . [ Vulgar slang ; 1940s]

Example Sentences

It not only had a kick-ass part, it was the first Israeli movie featuring a transgender character in a leading role.

From The Daily Beast

They make kick ass cocktails, they break up fights, they scoff at the idea of 'girly' drinks.

From The Daily Beast

Jim really paved the way—on film and in television—for people to see young, rad chicks kick ass and take names.

From The Daily Beast

Big Daddy, KICK-ASS Damon Macready (Nicolas Cage)—or “Big Daddy”—is a former NYPD detective turned vigilante hero.

From The Daily Beast

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who portrayed the eponymous character in Kick-Ass, will play her brother, Quicksilver.

From The Daily Beast

Marcus got suspended from school and fought with his dad and wondered if he was good enough for his kick-ass girlfriend.

From Project Gutenberg