English · Word Candidate

motherfucker

/mʌðəˌfʌkə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: motherfuckers

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Expressing dismay, discontent, or surprise.

InterjectionRegister: vulgar

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An extremely contemptible, vicious or mean person.

NounRegister: vulgar

Examples

Up against the wall, motherfucker.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Any person, often but not always with the connotation that the person is disliked or is threatening.

NounRegister: vulgar

Examples

Check out this motherfucker.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “motherfucker” mean?

Expressing dismay, discontent, or surprise.

Is “motherfucker” formal or informal?

motherfucker is generally vulgar.