mofo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low in formal contexts; high in specific informal/vernacular registers (music, film, certain subcultures).Very informal, vulgar, slang. Considered highly offensive in polite or professional contexts.
Quick answer
What does “mofo” mean?
A strongly vulgar, slang term used as an intensifier or insult, often substituting for 'motherfucker'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strongly vulgar, slang term used as an intensifier or insult, often substituting for 'motherfucker'.
Can express extreme admiration, contempt, or intensity, depending on context and tone. Often used to refer to a formidable person or thing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More prevalent in American English, particularly from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip-hop culture. British usage is almost entirely through cultural import from US media.
Connotations
In the US, can carry counter-cultural or 'street' credibility. In the UK, it often sounds distinctly American.
Frequency
Rare in mainstream UK media; more common in US pop culture contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mofo” in a Sentence
[Det] (Adj) mofoYou [are/are one crazy] mofoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mofo” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- He's got some mofo nerve showing up here. (acting as an attributive noun/intensifier)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used. Would be considered grossly unprofessional.
Academic
Never used in formal writing. Might appear in papers analyzing slang or pop culture.
Everyday
Only in very casual, familiar settings among peers where vulgarity is acceptable.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mofo”
- Using it in formal writing or speech.
- Overusing it, diluting its impact.
- Assuming it's acceptable in mixed company.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its base is offensive, it is often used among friends as a term of admiration or humorous emphasis, similar to 'He's a crazy good guitarist, that mofo.' Tone and context are critical.
Only if you are directly quoting someone or analyzing the word itself as a linguistic specimen. It is not suitable for standard academic prose.
Severely misjudging the social context and causing deep offense. It requires native-like intuition about register and audience. Learners are strongly advised to avoid active use.
Yes, unequivocally. It is a profane slang term derived from a highly taboo compound word and should be treated with the same caution as other severe expletives.
A strongly vulgar, slang term used as an intensifier or insult, often substituting for 'motherfucker'.
Mofo is usually very informal, vulgar, slang. considered highly offensive in polite or professional contexts. in register.
Mofo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊ.fəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊ.foʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mofo of a (noun) - e.g., 'a mofo of a problem' (an extremely difficult problem)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MOFO = 'My, Oh, that's Foully Offensive!' (highlights its vulgar nature).
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTREME IS VULGAR (using a taboo word intensifies the description).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'mofo' be LEAST appropriate?