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Damn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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damn

[dæm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Interjection

expressing anger or frustration

used to express anger, frustration, or disappointment. It is considered a mild profanity and is often used informally in spoken language.

Synonyms

curse, cuss, swear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
damn

Often used as an exclamation to express frustration, surprise, or anger. It can be mild but still considered offensive in formal contexts.

  • Damn, I forgot my keys!
  • This damn car won't start.
curse

Refers to the use of offensive words or phrases to wish harm or misfortune on someone or something. It can also mean speaking in a very angry way.

  • She cursed loudly when she stubbed her toe.
  • He felt like the old witch had cursed him.
swear

Used to express using offensive language. Can also mean making a serious promise or taking an oath. While 'swear' can be mild or strong, it often carries a sense of formality when referring to promises or oaths.

  • He swore under his breath.
  • I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
cuss

An informal term used to describe the act of using offensive language. Often regional, more common in American English, and can be used in both mild and strong contexts.

  • He cussed when he missed the shot.
  • Stop cussing in front of the children.

Examples of usage

  • Damn! I forgot my keys again.
  • Oh damn, I missed the bus.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In modern pop culture, the phrase 'damn' gained popularity through music and movies, often used to emphasize surprise or frustration.
  • It is frequently used in social media as an expression of disbelief or dramatic emphasis, becoming part of everyday language.
  • Some comedians and artists use the word to push boundaries in humor, reflecting societal taboos around swearing.

Linguistic Variations

  • Many languages have similar expressions conveying strong feelings, such as 'merde' in French and 'mierda' in Spanish, reflecting universal emotional responses.
  • In different English dialects, variations like 'dammit' or 'damn it' also emphasize frustration, showing the word's adaptability in language.
  • In some cultures, using swear words is seen as taboo, while in others, it’s a regular part of informal speech, showcasing cultural differences.

Literature

  • Many classic and modern authors use this word to portray characters' emotions, emphasizing their struggles or conflicts.
  • The word often appears in poetry and prose to convey strong emotions succinctly, showcasing the power of language.
  • In works like Shakespeare's, strong language was used strategically to amplify dramatic moments.

Origin of 'damn'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'damnare,' meaning 'to condemn or inflict loss.'
  • In Middle English, the form was 'damen,' which carried the same meaning as it does today, evolving over time.
  • In the 14th century, it started being used more widely in English as an expression of strong emotion.

The word 'damn' originated from Middle English 'damnen' which means to condemn or to judge. It has evolved over the years to become a commonly used interjection expressing anger or frustration.

See also: dam, dame, damnation.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,038 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.