# motherfucker

/ˈməðɝˌfəkɝ/ (US) · /mˈʌðəfˌʌkɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/motherfucker
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a contemptible person

noun · CEFR C2 · Vulgar · Slang

a very mean, cruel, or hated person.

For teachers: a highly offensive pejorative for a person perceived as contemptible, vicious, or malicious.

- That motherfucker stole my car and left me stranded in the rain.
- The antagonist is portrayed as a cold-blooded motherfucker who would betray his own family for a minor promotion.

Usage: Always used as a strong insult in this context.

### 3. a difficult thing

noun · CEFR C2 · Vulgar · Slang

something that is very hard, painful, or intense to deal with.

For teachers: an inanimate object or situation that is exceptionally difficult, frustrating, or intense.

- This math exam was a real motherfucker; I barely finished the first page.
- The final climb of the mountain is a total motherfucker, even for experienced hikers with professional gear.

## Examples

- He called the politician a motherfucker during the argument.
- The employee was reprimanded for using the term 'motherfucker' in a corporate meeting.
- The author's use of 'motherfucker' in the novel sparked controversy, with critics debating its role in conveying the protagonist's raw emotional state.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.