darnation
Polite curse word
Darnation is a mild oath expressing frustration or annoyance, a euphemistic substitute for damnation: What in darnation is going on here?
The word sounds folksy and old-fashioned, associated with rural American speech.
Like other minced oaths (dang, darn, gosh), it lets speakers express strong feeling while avoiding profanity.
Softened expletive
- doggoneFolksy mild expletive
- dadgumFolksy mild oath
- goldarnitEuphemistic rural expletive
- dad-blamedRustic expletive softener
blame · blasted · confounded · durned · derned · dangnabbit · land sakes
Sudden forceful burst
- cursesSworn oaths or hexes
- confound itMild oath of annoyance
- hang itExpression of frustration
- botherTo annoy or disturb
Intense weary annoyance
- vexationFrustrated annoyance
- aggravationState of being vexed
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
impatience · displeasure · indignation · chagrin · pique · botheration · disgruntlement · peeve
Intense sudden wonder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- bewildermentState of being baffled
incredulity · wonderment · stupefaction · flabbergast · thunderstruck
dang
Softened expletive
dad-blamed · blame · blasted · confounded · durned · derned · dangnabbit · land sakes
blast
Sudden forceful burst
- cursesSworn oaths or hexes
- confound itMild oath of annoyance
- hang itExpression of frustration
bother · blazes · thunder · perdition · hellfire · egad · zounds
exasperation
Intense weary annoyance
- vexationFrustrated annoyance
- aggravationState of being vexed
- annoyanceState of being bothered
irritation · impatience · displeasure · indignation · chagrin · pique · botheration · disgruntlement · peeve
astonishment
Intense sudden wonder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
bewilderment · incredulity · wonderment · stupefaction · flabbergast · thunderstruck