slang - Where does "can't be arsed" come from?


I've only heard it from Kiwis, but I am told it's used in other countries as well: "I can't be arsed" means (IIUC) "I can't be bothered". Where could the expression come from? It's the only expression I know of that uses "arse" as a verb -- assuming that is the correct spelling. Is it from "arse" (British English for "ass") or some weird mangling of "ask" or something even stranger?


Also, do the Brits even still say "arse"?



Answer



To make an effort to do something, you have to "get off your arse"!


Hence "can't be arsed" means don't feel it worthwhile to make the effort of standing up and doing something.


It is also heard in Britain.


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