SON OF A GUN

{n. phr.}, {slang} 1. A bad person; a person not liked. * /I don't like Charley; keep that son of a gun out of here./ Syn.: BAD ACTOR. 2. A mischievous rascal; a lively guy. - Often used in a joking way. * /The farmer said he would catch the son of a gun who let the cows out of the barn./ * /Hello Bill, you old son of a gun!/ Compare: SO AND SO. 3. Something troublesome; a hard job. * /The test today was a son of a gun./ Used as an exclamation, usually to show surprise or disappointment. * /Son of a gun! I lost my car keys./ Compare: SON OF A BITCH.