Dadburn
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "dadburn" - sometimes heard as "dagburn" - is a mild expletive meaning "darn" or "confounded." It’s a softened form of a cuss word, used to show irritation without cussing outright.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've heard 'dadburn' all my life around here. And still today. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've heard 'dadburn' all my life around here. And still today. Pronunciation
[DAD-burn]
Meaning & Usage
- Mild expletive for emphasis (saying)
Mae:
That dadburn gate won’t shut right.
That dadburn gate won’t shut right.
Earl:
Oughta oil the hinges.
Oughta oil the hinges.variations: dadbern, dagburn
★ "Dadburn" is safe for polite company. It lets you fuss without crossing into cussin’. ★
Origin and Etymology
Likely a softened form of something blasphemous, altered to "dad-burn" in the 19th century to avoid blasphemy. Appalachian and Southern speech is full of such minced oaths - "dadgum," "dagnabbit," "consarn it."
Usage Notes
Still heard in the mountains and South, though often by older speakers. Younger folks may use it playfully or with a wink to tradition.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it sharp: "dad-burn." Stress the first part, clip the second.