kick ass and take names

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.

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

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.

to behave roughly and violently (from the image of an overly punitive authority figure in the military or police

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.

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 means holding people accountable for there actions in an organization.