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Definition of mofo

mofo

/ˈmoʊ.foʊ/
mo · fo
Plural:mofos
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mofo Lexical Profile

mofo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A contemptible, obnoxious, or formidable person (used as a euphemistic shortening of 'motherfucker').

Example

"That arrogant mofo cut right in front of everyone waiting in the queue."

2

An extremely difficult, frustrating, or impressive thing or situation.

Example

"Getting that rusted bolt loose was a real mofo of a job."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for mofo

Word Nuance & Usage

Although coined as a minced oath to soften the vulgarity of 'motherfucker', 'mofo' remains a coarse slang term that is inappropriate for formal or professional contexts.

• Nearby Words

modulation
modulator
module
mofo
mogadishu
mogul
mohair

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in mid-20th-century American English, originally in African American Vernacular English, as a syllabic abbreviation and euphemistic alteration of 'motherfucker'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mofo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mofo
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