1. verb To defeat someone or something decisively. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "kick" and "butt." We weren't prepared for that game, and the other team kicked our butts.

2. verb To physically attack one; to beat one up. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "kick" and "butt." I'll kick your butt if I ever see you talking to my girlfriend again.

3. verb To be very effective or successful. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is not used between "kick" and "butt." This new strategy is really kicking butt and keeping the groundhogs away from my vegetable garden!

4. verb To be excellent or exceptional. That movie kicked butt! All movies should be like that!

5. verb To motivate one or shock one out of complacency. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "kick" and "butt." The professor's speech today kind of kicked my butt and made me realize I need to start applying myself.

6. adjective Excellent or exceptional; awesome. In this usage, the phrase is hyphenated. That was a pretty kick-butt roller coaster.