WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
son′ of a gun′, pl. sons of guns. [Slang.]
- rogue;
rascal;
scoundrel:That son of a gun still owes me $20. - a tiresome or disagreeable matter, chore, etc.
- (used as an affectionate greeting, term of address, etc.):Charlie Humpelmeyer, you old son of a gun, how are you?
- (used as an exclamation of irritation, surprise, dismay, etc.).
- 1700–10; perh. origin, originally the illegitimate offspring of a soldier, though later influenced by Brit. argot gun thief; compare gun moll
'son of a gun' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):