I'll be a son of a bitch

English

Etymology

Attested from at least 1925. From older son of a bitch, from Middle English biche-sone (literally “bitch's son”). Compare I'll be damned, from the 18th century.

Interjection

I'll be a son of a bitch

1. (vulgar) Expression of surprise or irritation.
   • 1957, Herbert Osborn Yardley, The Education of a Poker Player, page 10:

     “Well, I’ll be a son-of-a-bitch!” Monty laughed. “You mean you called a pat hand on aces up?”

Synonyms

• See Thesaurus:wow

References

• Jonathon Green (2024) “I'll be a sonofabitch!”, in Green’s Dictionary of Slang