Darn Tootin’

In Southern and Appalachian speech, darn tootin’ means "you’re absolutely right" or "you bet." It’s an emphatic way to show agreement or confidence, often said with a grin or a touch of swagger.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #Euphemisms

synonyms: you bet, that’s right, sure thing, doggone right

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I'm sure I've heard 'darn tootin’' before, but I wouldn't call it super common.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I'm sure I've heard 'darn tootin’' before, but I wouldn't call it super common.

Pronunciation

[DARN TOO-tin]
/ˈdɑrn ˈtuːtɪn/

Meaning & Usage

- Emphatic agreement or approval

- Affirmation with pride or certainty

variations: you’re darn tootin’, you’re dern tootin’, you’re durn tootin’

★ If you wanna sound authentic, let that g fall off the end - "tootin’." It rolls off the tongue quicker, like a shotgun of confidence. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase began as an American euphemism for "you’re damn tooting," where "tooting" was slang for "telling the truth." Print evidence dates to around 1916-1918 in the South and West, and the phrase spread nationwide through vaudeville, cowboy talk, and early film. Its euphemistic "darn" form kept it family-friendly while staying spirited.

Usage Notes

Today, darn tootin’ remains a humorous or nostalgic exclamation more than a daily phrase. It still shows up in friendly banter, country lyrics, and folksy speech that leans Southern or old-time American.

Often used as "You’re darn tootin’!" in response to a statement or question.
Can convey enthusiasm, pride, or cheerful defiance.
Considered clean, playful, and family-safe - a "polite" version of stronger language.
Still recognized across the U.S., but most associated with Southern, Western, and rural vernacular.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "darn tootin’" considered Southern?

Yes. It originated in Southern and Western slang, though it later spread nationwide.

What does "tootin’" mean here?

It’s derived from "touting," meaning to proclaim or assert something as true.

Is it polite?

Yes. It’s a euphemistic, good-humored way to agree emphatically without cussing.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 2). Darn Tootin’. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/darn-tootin
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Darn Tootin’." HillbillySlang.com, 2 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/darn-tootin.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Darn Tootin’." HillbillySlang.com. December 2, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/darn-tootin.