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It seems polite society does not recognize "mofo" as a word, although it is often used in not-so-polite society. In fact, "mofo" is quite likely the most grievous insult in the English Language. It is what we used to refer to in my youth as "fighting words", a slur on a man's honor and even his family for several generations running.
Many already know where the term "mofo" derives its two syllables. But some, such as my charming wife, in their innocence, can only remain ignorant if they refrain from reading the remainder of this article. "Mo" is a shortening of the word "mother". The same mother that we associate with apple pie, kisses on a scratched knee, a kind word and a loving pat on the head. Mother is probably the most hallowed word in our lexicon. It is respected by all, except, perhaps, self-seeking autobiographers and male black widow spiders.
The "fo" of "mofo" has quite a different connotation. It is a shortened form of the "f" word that only the crude and those completely lacking in human sensibility put in writing. Even Norman Mailer, author of the "Naked and the Dead", used the word "fug" in its place. We could argue all day about whether the word has a place in modern literature, but the fact is, many are offended by its use. Which is enough to keep a guy like me from uttering it, except in dire circumstances (and under my breath), such as when I hit my thumb with a hammer or my favorite baseball team gets whipped by the New York Yankees.
What makes "mofo" such a tremendous insult is the coupling of the hallowed good of "motherhood" with "fo", meaning, of course, sexual intercourse merely to have sexual intercourse.
Yet the combination has even more depth. It implies that the person referred to has messed with or defiled the sacred institution of motherhood. In other words, the insultee is an...adulterer! This is rather shocking. Why should the worst insult of the very worst element of society be to call someone an adulterer? Perhaps because it is an assault on the family. Perhaps because a person who would stoop to destroying a family for the mere pleasure of the moment IS in fact a vile creature.
In a sense, it is reassuring that "mofo" should be the worst insult of our day. It means that there is morality at play even among those who would abuse our language. Still, one wonders why the worst insult should not be killer, abuser or even liberal demagogue. I actually prefer less colorful, if more descriptive and indirect insults, such as, "I bet you can't even define the present tense of the verb 'to be'". Wait a sec, I guess that would be the same as calling someone a "mofo"!
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