There is the original interpretation which most people are familiar with. Then we were introduced to cartoonist Martyn Turner's witty - and more polite - interpretation; that it means "Best In Fianna Fáil Obviously" after Brian Cowen's unopposed coronation as leader of the Soldiers of Destiny. But after yesterday's enlightening Dáil session we now have several other options to choose from, writes MARIE O'HALLORAN.
After those House microphones picked up the Taoiseach's mutterings to Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, not unfamiliar herself with colourful language, the initial, and mistaken, assumption was that he might be referring to TDs across the chamber.
That gave a new possibility - as one observer put it: "Big Ignorant F***ers from the Opposition". But no, no, the Taoiseach was not referring to anyone in the House. He would never speak of the Opposition like that. It's really all about those "Big Ignorant F***ers From Outside" the Dáil.
Politicians, whether of the Opposition or Government variety are well used to being described in terms of expletives, but a State agency? And the words complained of? Ring those people and get a handle on it, will you? "Bring in all those f***ers."
Would it have been less of a blow if he'd spoken in Irish?
Certainly, fewer people would have understood and been offended.
The word complained of followed Labour leader Eamon Gilmore's questions about the the National Consumer Agency and its failure to deal with sky-rocketing prices for diesel and goods in the Irish branches of British stores. At the end of the day, Cowen's spokesman said the Taoiseach regretted any offence caused "by the word complained of". The conversation was "casual", "private" and between two working colleagues and clearly not intended for Dáil consumption.
Fine Gael had believed the "word complained of" was referring to them after an earlier debate when leader Enda Kenny questioned provision for cancer palliative care. And it has to be said the Taoiseach had put in a true bootboy performance, yelling that his backbenchers could shout louder than the Opposition. Enda Kenny said that less than half of 130 promised palliative care posts had been filled.
The Taoiseach referred to budgetary pressures and the need for managers to deal with the situation as they saw it.
When Enda said that wasn't an answer the Taoiseach accused him of not supporting a single health reform initiative. That had Fine Gael health spokesman Dr James Reilly hopping.
Cowen warned that if he kept interrupting him, he'd make sure Kenny "will not be heard in this House". "The new statesman," remarked Fine Gael's Michael Ring pointedly. Enda took umbrage. "The Taoiseach will not silence the Fine Gael party or any of its members."
"I will not be shouted down" retorted Brian. And the issue under discussion got lost.
It's a gaffe for the Taoiseach. It's hardly statesmanlike. But on the other hand it's a less than gentle warning to a State agency. The use of the "word complained of", once, early in his tenure, might yet prove beneficial to the Taoiseach. But then we'd have to see diesel prices coming down, along with the price of goods in Irish outlets of British stores. How likely is that?