darndest
Level best, colloquially
Darndest is a euphemistic superlative of darned, itself a stand-in for damned.
It appears almost exclusively in two expressions: the darndest thing describes something remarkably strange or unexpected, while try your darndest means to make your greatest effort.
The phrase kids say the darndest things became a cultural catchphrase for children's unfiltered remarks.
Folksy mild expletive
- goshTame exclamation of surprise
- gollyGentle exclamation of surprise
- heckMild frustrated exclamation
- shucksFolksy expression of disappointment
dadgum · confounded · blessed · blamed · blasted · tarnation · homespun · rustic
Most unusual or unfamiliar
- weirdestMost unusual or strange
- oddestMost unusual of all
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- remarkableWorthy of attention
astonishing · bewildering · inexplicable · confounding · baffling · curious · uncanny · outlandish
- innocenceFreedom from wrongdoing
- precociousDeveloped before typical age
- unfilteredNot passed through screen
- naiveInnocently unsuspecting
candid · blurt · outspoken · hilarious · adorable · surprising · honest · artless
Superlative of tough
- utmostHighest possible degree
- best effortMaximum attempt possible
- all-outWith complete effort
- striveMake sustained effort
endeavor · determination · perseverance · grit · tenacity · doggedness · resolve · commitment
doggone
Folksy mild expletive
shucks · dadgum · confounded · blessed · blamed · blasted · tarnation · homespun · rustic · colloquial
strangest
Most unusual or unfamiliar
- weirdestMost unusual or strange
- oddestMost unusual of all
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
remarkable · astonishing · bewildering · inexplicable · confounding · baffling · curious · uncanny · outlandish · bizarre
kids say
- innocenceFreedom from wrongdoing
- precociousDeveloped before typical age
- unfilteredNot passed through screen
naive · candid · blurt · outspoken · hilarious · adorable · surprising · honest · artless · guileless
hardest
Superlative of tough
- utmostHighest possible degree
- best effortMaximum attempt possible
- all-outWith complete effort
strive · endeavor · determination · perseverance · grit · tenacity · doggedness · resolve · commitment · dedication