a-word

Noun

a-word (plural a-words)

1. (euphemistic) A bad word that starts with the letter a, such as ass/arse or asshole/arsehole.
2. (euphemistic) The word alleluia, typically in the context of Lent since the Lenten liturgies of various Christian churches omit the alleluia.
   • It was Lent; “alleluia” is not sung in the Catholic church during Lent. I told her Babloo liked songs with the “A-word.”2008, Mary Poplin, Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service, →ISBN, page 71
   • My congregation is frustrated because we can’t sing carols during Advent, and now we can’t say the A-word [Alleluia] during Lent.2009, Melinda A. Quivik, Serving the Word, →ISBN, page 43
3. Any word beginning with a that is not normally taboo but is considered (often humorously) to be so in the given context.
   • Most of the candidates have skirted the AIDS issue as much as possible, mentioning the "A word" only when asked a direct question.1988 February 21, Chris Bull, “Pressing the Candidates On AIDS”, in Gay Community News, volume 15, number 31, page 11
   • Specialists sometimes choose PDD-NOS instead of an autism diagnosis because they are afraid that the “a-word” frightens patients.2010, Ken Siri, “Diagnosis and Evaluation—Formation”, in 1,001 Tips for the Parents of Autistic Boys, page 17