Motherfucker

Origin of: Motherfucker

Motherfucker

Originally, black American slang for a despicable person dates from the early 20th century, but the shocking literal meaning has softened down the years, especially if another adjective appears in front of it, as in a ‘big motherfucker’ or a ‘tough motherfucker’. When the preceding adjective is omitted, however, it remains insulting.