mofos

Mofos is a slang term derived from the English insult motherfucker. It is used as a noun to refer to a person, typically in an informal, rough context, and the plural mofos refers to multiple people. The term is considered highly vulgar and is usually inappropriate in formal settings. Its origins trace to mid-20th century American English as a clipped form of the longer insult, with mofos used in casual speech, street talk, and subcultures.

Usage varies by region and social group. Among friends, it may be used playfully or affectionately, conveying familiarity or bravado. In many contexts it remains an insult intended to demean or intimidate, and it can offend or provoke. Because of its strong profanity, writers and speakers often substitute milder forms or censored spellings in certain media, though these variants retain the core sense.

In popular culture, mofos appear in music, film, comedy, and online discourse as a shorthand for toughness, rebelliousness, or irreverence. It is especially prevalent in genres like hip-hop, where the word is used for emphasis or camaraderie, and it can appear in dialogue, titles, or lyrics with varying degrees of explicitness.

The term is controversial and should be used with caution, respecting audience and context. See also profanity, slang, and informal language.