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by Anonymous on March 13th, 2007

Anonymous

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Where did the term "yer ma" come from?

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  • by Mister Rogers on March 13th, 2007

    Mister Rogers

    "Your mom", "yer mum", or "yo mama" is a phrase frequently used to insult the target, by way of his or her mother. Used as an insult, "your mom..." preys on the fact that people commonly love and revere their mothers, making the insult particularly and globally offensive. "Your mom" can be combined with most types of insults, although suggestions of promiscuity, obesity, or lack of intelligence are particularly common. [1] Compared to other types of insults, "your mom" insults are especially likely to incite violence. [2] [3] Slang variants such as "yo momma" or "yer ma" are sometimes used, depending on the local dialect. Insults involving "Your mom" are commonly used when playing the dozens. Additionally, this phrase is frequently used in playful banter between friends. Although this may appear to be a recent phenomenon, one can trace its roots far back in history. Indeed, William Shakespeare appears to utilize such a device in Act I Scene 1 of Timon of Athens:

    Painter: "Y'are a dog."
    Apemantus: "Thy mother's of my generation. What's she, if I be a dog?"

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