intj
tarnation
tahr-NAY-shuhn
Tarnation (intj) means (old-fashioned, informal) Used to express anger, annoyance, or surprise, as a mild substitute for a stronger curse. Example: “What in tarnation is going on out here?”
intj
1
(old-fashioned, informal) Used to express anger, annoyance, or surprise, as a mild substitute for a stronger curse.
"What in tarnation is going on out here?"
"Tarnation, that dog has dug up my entire garden."
How to use tarnation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned, folksy exclamation of shock or annoyance, like a mild version of "damnation."
When to use it
Sounds dated or exaggeratedly rural/American — mostly used now for comic effect.
Common pairings
what in tarnation
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Word forms
- Plural
- tarnations
- Comparative
- more tarnation
- Superlative
- most tarnation
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
What in _____ is going on out here?
Etymology
A blend of "darnation" and "tarnal" (itself from "eternal"), used as a softened alternative to "damnation."
Rhymes for tarnation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for tarnation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “tarnation” mean?
The word “tarnation” means (old-fashioned, informal) Used to express anger, annoyance, or surprise, as a mild substitute for a stronger curse. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, folksy exclamation of shock or annoyance, like a mild version of "damnation.".
How do you pronounce “tarnation”?
“Tarnation” is pronounced tahr-NAY-shuhn (/tɑɹˈneɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “tarnation” in a sentence?
Here is “tarnation” used in a sentence: “What in tarnation is going on out here?”
What part of speech is “tarnation”?
“Tarnation” is an intj.
