General
tarnation
What does tarnation mean?
A euphemistic curse used for emphasis, as in "what in tarnation."
"How in tarnation did you manage that?"
Origin
American minced oath, a blend of "darnation" (from "damnation") influenced by "eternal/tarnal."
Frequently asked questions
What does "tarnation" mean?
It's a softened curse standing in for "damnation," used for emphasis in phrases like "what in tarnation."
Is "tarnation" offensive?
No. As a minced oath it avoids actual profanity, so it comes across as old-fashioned and mild.
How is "tarnation" used?
Almost always in set exclamations of frustration or surprise, such as "how in tarnation" or "what in tarnation."
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
