Most likely originated in the armed services, probably during Vietnam. "Kick ass" is generically applied to beating the opponent, whereas taking names refers to killing the enemy, or "taking their names." Has been adopted into common usage as a general motivational statement.
"CHARLIES OVER THAT RIDGE, LETS KICKASS AND TAKE NAMES!"
"pick up that goddam football damnit! now get out there, kick ass and take names you pussy!"
"pick up that goddam football damnit! now get out there, kick ass and take names you pussy!"
by beefstui April 27, 2007
This expression does not date back to Vietnam or the 80's. it is ancient in the marine corps and is what drill instructors did up until the mid 70's
My Drill Instructor could kick ass and take names."
by daniel f ring August 11, 2014
This is just from rumors I hear and web forums I read. I started hearing "kick ass and take names" around the late 80's. Some say it's a police expression.
It probably means that cops or your group of fighters kick the ass of your opponents. Then you "take names" of the people you beat. That way you know the name of a guy you beat. And when you meet him again, you know you can beat him up again.
It probably means that cops or your group of fighters kick the ass of your opponents. Then you "take names" of the people you beat. That way you know the name of a guy you beat. And when you meet him again, you know you can beat him up again.
We gotta go play basketball against that team of jerks, the Eagles.
Oh Yeah! It's time for us to kick ass and take names!
Oh Yeah! It's time for us to kick ass and take names!
by Mr. S April 15, 2005
to behave roughly and violently (from the image of an overly punitive authority figure in the military or police
by The Return of Light Joker December 18, 2007
Phrase used in reference to someone or something that is having multiple successes in succession. kicking ass - Kicking someone or something's ass, beating, defeating an opponent at a task. taking names - Recording a list of future contestants who will have also be beaten or defeated in the defined task.
by Jesse Bilsten April 14, 2006
The act of being unequivocally awesome. It generally involves showing people what's up, making people feel like morons for being wrong, and defeating terrorists. It is indeed an action worthy of the highest honor.
It refers to an older sayings "Kick ass first, take names later," or "Shoot first, ask questions later." Generally, it is frowned upon enacting such awesomeness without "asking questions" first. However, when used in this context, that much is forgiven.
It refers to an older sayings "Kick ass first, take names later," or "Shoot first, ask questions later." Generally, it is frowned upon enacting such awesomeness without "asking questions" first. However, when used in this context, that much is forgiven.
by UnequivocallyAwesome January 28, 2010
by semimurphy January 2, 2017