As rough as ...

[pompei]

... a badger's bottom (polite version)

But why a badger?

[Grafixboy]

It's a case of and why not. I think the ...as rough as... phrase can be preceded by almost anything that can be perceived to be bad, ugly, whatever. Its the same as ...he's as mad as a.... ive heard someone say brush, another say bear. I reckon its a real improve the metaphor situation all round

[B00]

I say 'bear' not badger- wonder if it depends where your from which animal you say?

Perhaps we should make it universal and say 'as rough as a Chav's ar**'?

[rachel79]

my sister lives in yorkshire and she says: 'ooh I look as grim as a bears ar*e.
it always gives me a giggle.

[saanen]

Have you ever stroked a badger's bum? Try it, and you will know where this phrase came from.

[JillP]

Here in Canada, we say 'As rough as a bear's... 'behind'.