dadburn
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "dadburn" 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. 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.other spellings: dadgum, dadgummit, dadblame, dadblast, durn, darn, and confounded
★ "Dadburn" is safe for polite company. It lets you fuss without crossing into cussin’. ★
Origin
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."
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.