   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." 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?
Earl:
Dadburn it! Went right through my fingers.- Exclamation of surprise (interjection)
Mae:
They’re sellin’ the old farm.
Earl:
Dadburn it! I didn’t know that.other spellings: 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. ★ OriginFrom 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. NotesStill 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 SouthernerSaid plain: "dad-burn it." Sometimes drawn out: "daaaadburn it!" | 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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