Ascent of the A-Word

Ascent of the A-Word: Assholism, the First Sixty Years

Company type	Publication
Industry	Linguistics, Literature
Founded	2012
Founder	Geoffrey Nunberg
Products	Book

Ascent of the A-Word: Assholism, the First Sixty Years is a 2012 publication by American linguist Geoffrey Nunberg that explores the evolution and societal influence of the term "asshole".

Overview

Nunberg identifies the term's roots in World War II, where it served as a critique of domineering or egotistical commanding officers. Following the war, the expression spread among "movement radicals" and by the 1970s became part of common vernacular, replacing milder insults like "heel" or "cad" with a more potent alternative. Nunberg highlights that the rise of the Internet has further entrenched its usage in English.

The word's prominence was boosted by author and Army veteran Norman Mailer through his 1948 novel The Naked and the Dead, and later by cultural icons including Woody Allen and Neil Simon. Nunberg points out a political aspect, noting a higher prevalence of "assholes" on the American right-wing (citing figures such as Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly), while acknowledging notable individuals on the left as well. He emphasizes how personalities like Limbaugh and Stephen Colbert have embraced their controversial images.

According to Nunberg, labeling someone an "asshole" fosters unity among those who consider themselves not to be one; this form of address is accepted as a mechanism for social regulation. He refers to those who uphold this standard as "anti-assholes," people who defy social norms to reprimand violators.

Reception

Glenn C. Altschuler, writing for the San Francisco Chronicle, lauded Ascent as a "delightfully and devilishly trenchant and provocative book," praising Nunberg's articulate style. Meanwhile, Kirkus Reviews characterized it as an "often raucously funny account" of America's most widespread insult, striking a balance between humor and scholarly insight without tipping into excessive snark.