son of a bitch

plural sons of a bitch · plural sons of bitches · abbreviation SOB · abbreviation SOAB · alternative son-of-a-bitch · alternative pronunciation spelling sonovabitch · alternative pronunciation spelling sonuvabitch · alternative pronunciation spelling sumbitch · alternative nonstandard sonofabitch · alternative nonstandard son of bitch

1. CanadaUSderogatoryidiomaticoffensiveslangvulgarAn objectionable or despicable person (usually, a man).

   Those sons of bitches don’t stand a chance.

   5 more examples

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

   There's that snarling cur, and son of a Bitch Boccaline.

   1685, John Eachard, The grounds & occasions of the contempt of the clergy and religion enquired into, 9th edition, London, page 252

   He had the insolence obliquely to give me the name of Son of a Bitch.

   1691, Thomas Shadwell, The Humorists, a Comedy, London, page 22

   […] Count Davia, like a Son of a Bitch as he is, Chop'd upon mine and the Duke of Mantuu's Equipage, and rubb'd off with our Plate, Jewels, and other Knicknacks of Inestimable Value.

   1703, Thomas Brown, Letters from the living to the living, relating to the present transactions both Publick and Private, page 105

   But ya ought to thank me, before I die / For the gravel in ya guts and the spit in ya eye / Because I'm the son-of-a-bitch that named you Sue

   1969, Shel Silverstein, “A Boy Named Sue”, performed by Johnny Cash

   Synonyms: arsehole, ass, assface, asshat, asshole, asswipe, bastard, bitch

2. CanadaUSderogatoryidiomaticoffensiveslangvulgarAny objectionable thing.

   "This son of a bitch won't move!" Marty exclaimed as he grappled with the supermarket cart.

3. CanadaUSendearinghumorousidiomaticslangvulgarAn impressive, daring, or admirable man.

   I quickly checked around and I found Simon, he was hit but landed on a dead horse, the lucky son of a bitch could have been dead but the animal absorbed his fall and now he was on the ground trying to stay alive.

   2022, Angelo Indelicato, The Tales of a Templar Knight

4. CanadaUSidiomaticoften preceded by poorA suffering person deemed deserving of compassion.

   That poor son of a bitch didn't even make it.

alternative son-of-a-bitch · alternative pronunciation spelling sonovabitch · alternative pronunciation spelling sonuvabitch · alternative pronunciation spelling sumbitch · alternative nonstandard sonofabitch · alternative nonstandard son of bitch

1. CanadaUSidiomaticslangvulgarUsed to express anger, contempt, astonishment, disappointment, or dismay.

   Argh! Son of a bitch! I had just cut my arm.

   Synonyms: motherfucker, oh my God, Jesus Christ