I have a writerly question and need some opinions. You know those guys who are just beyond annoying—the ones who fall past the ‘asshole’ label and need something with a little more finesse? I like to think of them as “douche bags.”
So here is my problem. How do you write the term “douche bag” in a manuscript? Should it be douche bag, douche-bag, or douchebag? Is there a universally correct answer? Cast your vote in a comment!
4 pings
cherilaser says:
January 26, 2011 at 11:27 am (UTC -4 )
Hi! For me, there isn’t anything lower than a**hole, so I wouldn’t even bother with anything else. (Scum of the earth does come to mind, however.) If you’re intent on using the other term, though, the correct construction is “douche bag.”
Good luck. The real person who’s inspiring this question foryou must have been a real winner … 🙂 All the best. –Cheri
Janet Walters says:
January 26, 2011 at 6:17 pm (UTC -4 )
Just saw the term in a book and it was written as two words. I’m not sure I’d use it. Lousy lily-livered louse is one of my favorites.
hthurmeier says:
January 26, 2011 at 7:54 pm (UTC -4 )
Seems like two separate words is the right way. Douche bag isn’t the right choice of words in every case, but in this character’s case, it’s perfectly appropriate. 🙂
Shoshanna Evers says:
January 27, 2011 at 9:58 am (UTC -4 )
Yup douche bag. Two words.