son of a bitch

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Also seen as: son-of-a-bitch · sonovabitch · sonuvabitch · sonuvvabitch

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An objectionable, despicable person.

Register: derogatory, offensive, slang, vulgar

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son of a bitch.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any objectionable thing.

Register: derogatory, offensive, slang, vulgar

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An impressive, daring, or admirable man.

Register: humorous, slang, vulgar

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “son of a bitch” mean?

An objectionable, despicable person.

Is “son of a bitch” formal or informal?

son of a bitch is generally derogatory, offensive, slang, vulgar.