Motherfucker
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Motherfucker (also existing in countless contracted forms e.g. muthafucka , mofo) is a common insult and profanity in American English and, to a lesser extent, in other varieties of the English language. The term is widely viewed as an obscenity, but may be used by some in a neutral or positive way. (The term can be used to describe somebody as a moron, an idiot or backstabber.)
The term is literally an accusation of incest, although as with most insults, it is used pejoratively (like "kus umak", which has roughly the same meaning and level of obscenity in Arabic). When used in this way specifically in relation to a man, it may be intended as an attack on his masculinity. Many consider "motherfucker" to be one of the most offensive profanities in the English language. A study published in 2000 found that British people consider it second only to "cunt" in severity [1].
In the 1960s and 1970s, the initials M.F. became a common, less explicit substitute for the term.
[edit] Origins
The term and its congeners are originally North American slang, whence it spread to other varieties of English. The earliest form is the adjectival use "motherfucking" which was recorded in the records of the Texas Court of Appeals in 1889. The earliest record of the noun "motherfucker" dates back to 1918. All other senses and forms are first recorded in the 20th century. (Oxford English Dictionary; online version) The term is also frequently used in pop culture, appearing over 200 times each in the movies Scarface, GoodFellas and Pulp Fiction. The literal meaning of this word is 'engaging in sexual intercourse with mother'. Since the meaning is so offensive, this word is mostly used during rude arguments.
Other uses of "motherfuck" have been incorporated into usage (although not common), for example "motherfucked" or "motherfucking" can be used to imply "chewed out" or an "asschewing" by a boss or superior.
[edit] Reference
- ^ Hargrave, Andrea Millwood (2000). Delete Expletives? London: Advertising Standards Authority, British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting Standards Commission, Independent Television Commission.
| Seven Dirty Words |
| shit • piss • fuck • cunt • cocksucker • motherfucker • tits |
