Dadburn It!
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Dadburn it!" is a mild exclamation used to express frustration, surprise, or annoyance. It’s a softened substitute for stronger cuss words, much like "darn it" or "doggone it."
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #Exclamations #Euphemisms
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Dadburn it! is one you'll hear out in the country for sure. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Dadburn it! is one you'll hear out in the country for sure. Pronunciation
[DAD-burn it]
Meaning & Usage
- Exclamation of frustration or mild annoyance (interjection)
Mae:
You drop that hammer?
You drop that hammer?
Earl:
Dadburn it! Went right through my fingers.
Dadburn it! Went right through my fingers.- Exclamation of surprise (interjection)
Mae:
They’re sellin’ the old farm.
They’re sellin’ the old farm.
Earl:
Dadburn it! I didn’t know that.
Dadburn it! I didn’t know that.variations: dad burn it
★ This is one of a family of colorful, church-friendly Southern exclamations like "dadgum," "dadgummit," and "doggone it." All serve to soften stronger oaths for polite company. ★
Origin and Etymology
From something blasphemous softened over time into "dad-burn" or "dad-gum" in 19th-century rural American English. Preserved strongly in Southern/Appalachian speech as a mild oath suitable for mixed company.
Usage Notes
Still used among older Southerners and in rural speech. Often said in a good-natured or humorous way. Recognized elsewhere but rarely used spontaneously outside the South/Appalachia.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "dad-burn it." Sometimes drawn out: "daaaadburn it!"
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