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

(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 notes

In 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

Word forms

more tarnation comparative, more tarnation comparative, tarnations plural, most tarnation superlative, most tarnation superlative

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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 abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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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.