adj

doggone

DOG-on

Doggone (adj) means used as a mild, old-fashioned way of expressing annoyance, similar to "damned.". Example: “I can't find my doggone keys anywhere.”

adj

Used as a mild, old-fashioned way of expressing annoyance, similar to "damned."

"I can't find my doggone keys anywhere."

How to use doggone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA folksy, mild swear word — a polite stand-in for a stronger curse.

When to use it

Old-fashioned and mostly American; used for comic or gentle emphasis rather than real anger.

Word forms

doggoned past tense, doggones singular

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I can't find my _____ keys anywhere.

Etymology

A softened, minced version of "goddamn."

Rhymes for doggone

one bone done gone none tone lone hone cone zone stone phone

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Frequently asked questions

What does “doggone” mean?

The word “doggone” means used as a mild, old-fashioned way of expressing annoyance, similar to "damned.". In plain terms, a folksy, mild swear word — a polite stand-in for a stronger curse.

How do you pronounce “doggone”?

“Doggone” is pronounced DOG-on (/ˈdɑɡ.ɑn/ in IPA).

How do you use “doggone” in a sentence?

Here is “doggone” used in a sentence: “I can't find my doggone keys anywhere.”

What part of speech is “doggone”?

“Doggone” is an adjective.