Is "Filho da puta" offensive?

Yes — very. It rates 4/5 on the Punch-o-Meter (Fighting words). aimed at a person, will start something. Read the usage note before you even think about it.

How do you pronounce "Filho da puta"?

Say it "FEE-lyoo dah POO-tah" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: ˈfi.ʎu da ˈpu.ta.

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cursing.in curse like a local

Portuguese · Insults & Name-Calling

Filho da puta

FEE-lyoo dah POO-tah · /ˈfi.ʎu da ˈpu.ta/

Son of a bitch / bastard

4/5 Fighting words

aimed at a person, will start something

Literally

"Son of a whore"

Word-for-word — which is rarely what it means.

How to use it

The heavyweight, and a masterclass in the Brazilian severity dial. Spat at an enemy it's a fighting word. But among close friends, "seu filho da puta!" with a grin is affection — you reserve your worst words for people you love. Watch the diminutive/augmentative: "filhinho da puta" can be teasing, "filhão da puta" piles it on. Abbreviated "FDP" in writing. Tone is everything here.

Heard in the wild

Aquele filho da puta furou a fila e ainda reclamou.

That son of a bitch cut the line and then complained.

Where it lands

Brazil (universal); PT-PT too. In football stadiums, ambient.

Quick answers

What does "Filho da puta" mean?: In Portuguese, "Filho da puta" means "Son of a bitch / bastard". Literally it's "Son of a whore". The heavyweight, and a masterclass in the Brazilian severity dial. Spat at an enemy it's a fighting word. But among close friends, "seu filho da puta!" with a grin is affection — you reserve your worst words for people you love. Watch the diminutive/augmentative: "filhinho da puta" can be teasing, "filhão da puta" piles it on. Abbreviated "FDP" in writing. Tone is everything here.
Is "Filho da puta" offensive?: Yes — very. It rates 4/5 on the Punch-o-Meter (Fighting words). aimed at a person, will start something. Read the usage note before you even think about it.
How do you pronounce "Filho da puta"?: Say it "FEE-lyoo dah POO-tah" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: ˈfi.ʎu da ˈpu.ta.

Related in Portuguese

Otário oh-TAH-ree-oo Sucker / gullible fool / mug Babaca bah-BAH-kah Jerk / idiot / asshole (mild) Corno KOR-noo Cuckold — a man whose partner cheats on him Vagabundo vah-gah-BOON-doo Bum / lowlife / good-for-nothing (f. 'vagabunda' = slut) Burro BOO-hoo Dumb / stupid (person) Arrombado ah-hom-BAH-doo Asshole (strong) / piece of shit

The same idea, elsewhere

Via concepts like "Screw you".

how to say "Screw you" →

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