In Southern and Appalachian speech, "dadgum" is a mild expletive or intensifier used for emphasis or frustration - a polite stand-in for stronger language. It’s often heard in phrases like "every dadgum one of ’em" or "that dadgum car won’t start."
A softened euphemism for something blasphemous, recorded in Southern and Appalachian speech since at least the late 1800s. Forms like "daggum," "dad-blame," and "dad-blasted" served as polite substitutes that kept the rhythm and emotion without the profanity. "Dadgum" spread widely through 20th-century country talk, radio, and television, becoming one of the best-known mild Southern expletives.
Usage Notes
Still common in Southern and rural American English, used for emphasis, irritation, or humor.
Functions as an adjective, adverb, or interjection.
Often paired with "every" or "that": "every dadgum one," "that dadgum truck."
"Daggum" is a regional variant, especially Appalachian.
It’s a mild oath or intensifier meaning "darn" or "confounded," used to show irritation or emphasis.
Is "dadgum" Southern?
Yes. It originated in the South and Appalachia, though it’s recognized nationwide from media and humor.
What’s the difference between "dadgum" and "daggum"?
"Daggum" leans more Appalachian; "dadgum" is the broader Southern spelling and the one most people recognize.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 15). Dadgum. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/dadgum
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Dadgum." HillbillySlang.com, 15 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/dadgum.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Dadgum." HillbillySlang.com. October 15, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/dadgum.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
I would say 'daggum' is more common where I am in the hills, but 'dadgum' is still common. 
