Versions (was RE:mysterious "a-words" now we're REALLY confused)

[dawncad1 at yahoo.com]

Because I always thought they said it ass, like the donkey, but 
> not meaning the donkey. I don't think I've ever heard an American 
say arse.
> Also, something I missed last time, Arse & Ass don't sound the 
same. Arse has 
> an r in it and you hear the r. Ass doesn't so sounds like A-ss, as 
opposed to 
> Ahr-se
> 
> Sara

Sara, I think you are right. 
I'm in the US and we never say "arse". We say "ass" as in a donkey 
(rarely used), a stupid person, or someone's hindquarters. I thought 
Felton said "ass", (but I may be wrong)and I was surprised because I 
rarely hear children say "ass" in a movie. It's more likely that a 
teenager or adult would say it.