son of a gun

noun \ˈsən-ə-və-ˌgən; as an interj ˌsən-ə-və-ˈgən\

: a person (especially a man) or thing that you are annoyed with

—used by a man to address a male friend

—used to express mild surprise, disappointment, etc.

plural sons of guns

Full Definition of SON OF A GUN

—usually used as a mild or euphemistic alternative to son of a bitch ; sometimes used interjectionally to express surprise or disappointment

See son of a gun defined for English-language learners

1708

Next Word in the Dictionary: son of GodPrevious Word in the Dictionary: son of a bitchAll Words Near: son of a gun

What made you want to look up son of a gun? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears