kick some arse

[JJ]

Is "kick some arse" a common phrase in the UK? If not, what's the equivalent?

I can't figure it out and need to use it in something I'm writing.

Yes, it is quite common now (in every sense ) but I think we'd say "kick ass" and leave out the "some".

Definitely 'ass', not 'arse'. The 'some' could be retained though: '"I'm gonna kick some ass".

To administer 'a kick up the backside' is more British, I think, depending on the context.

Which is?

It's a letter to my son's teacher. I've had it with him!

No, no, just joking - it's text that goes with a beauty shoot.

Here is sentence:
"Tone it down a bit whilst keeping the attitude and get a business look that will not only kick some serious ass but take you from the office to a night out with a minimum of fuss and kit."

Have swapped ass for arse (as one does, I suppose), thanks. I will lose "some serious" probably, too.

Whole paragraph is:
"The 80s might not be an obvious inspiration for a business look, what with the garish colours, overdone eyes/lips/cheek/hair and the whole "more is more" approach to makeup. But take a step back and re-evaluate, if you will. The look was hard and a little aggressive; think Madonna in her Like a Virgin phase. No rosy cheeks or innocence, she looked like she always had one up on us (has to be said that she did). Tone it down a bit whilst keeping the attitude and get a business look that will not only kick some serious ass but take you from the office to a night out with a minimum of fuss and kit."

Sorry that's not more interesting and thank you for the help!

Oh yes, ' a kick up the backside' would definitely be out of place there! And 'arse' would be like your maiden aunt (or me) trying to be down with the kids.

Hee hee about trying to be down with the kids. Me too. Obviously.

I like 'kick some arse' with the 'some' left in. Just better euphony, I think.
Also 'arse' is better than 'ass' because it sounds more rough, Anglo-Saxon,
and rude, and therefore more effective.

I once heard this exchange in a
changing room:

Woman 1: 'Those are some serious boots.'
Woman 2: 'Yes, well, I'm going to kick some serious arse.'

Substituting 'ass' for 'arse' makes it sound like American.

Or like you're kicking a donkey.

Neither of which are good.

Personally, I'd use Show them who's the boss.

Ooh, thanks all. It is at press now sans the ass altogether (sob, I liked it).

I had lessons on how to say "arse" properly. I was putting an "r" in it and there's not. I mean, there is when you spell it, obviously but not when you say it.

AHHHSS.