/dʌm‑ædz/
Definition:
An informal, mildly vulgar slang term used to describe a batch of foolish, incompetent, or embarrassingly inept advertisements or promotional pitches—often those that fail spectacularly, showing a total lack of thought or taste.
Formed analogously to “
dumbass”, which is rooted in dumb (“stupid”) + ass (“foolish person”)
Just as “
dumbass” refers to a person acting without intelligence, “dumbads” refers to ads that act (or perform) as if they’re stupid.
Connotations:
Plural-only usage: You’
d rarely say “a dumbad”; instead, “those dumbads” or “these dumbads.”
Casual and biting: Ideal for social media critiques, ad reviews, marketing-rip critique posts, or conversational snark.
Vulgar-adjacent: Similar register to “
dumbass”—not suited for formal/business writing, but fine for comedic or irreverent commentary.
