   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.
Earl:
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’. ★ OriginLikely 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." NotesStill 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 SouthernerSay it sharp: "dad-burn." Stress the first part, clip the second. | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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