General
what in tarnation
What does what in tarnation mean?
An exclamation of surprise or annoyance; a genteel stand-in for stronger language.
"What in tarnation is going on out here?"
Origin
"Tarnation" is a minced oath blending "damnation" with "eternal," American English from the 1700s–1800s.
Frequently asked questions
What does "what in tarnation" mean?
It means "what on earth" or "what the devil," used to express surprise or annoyance without swearing.
Is "what in tarnation" a swear word?
No. "Tarnation" is a minced oath, a polite substitute for "damnation," so the phrase reads as folksy rather than rude.
Where does "tarnation" come from?
It's American English from the 1700s–1800s, blending "damnation" with "eternal."
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