Darnedest: meaning, definitions and examples
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darnedest
[ ˈdɑrnɪdɪst ]
intensifying expression
The term 'darnedest' is used as an intensifier that expresses the utmost degree of something. It often conveys a sense of surprise or emphasis about an action or quality. For instance, one might say someone has the darnedest luck or did the darnedest thing, highlighting the unusual or exceptional nature of the circumstance. It has a colloquial tone, suggesting a familiar or informal conversation.
Synonyms
most remarkable, oddest, strangest.
Examples of usage
- She has the darnedest luck with finding money.
- He did the darnedest thing to cheer her up.
- That was the darnedest excuse I've ever heard.
Translations
Translations of the word "darnedest" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mais esquisito
🇮🇳 सबसे अजीब
🇩🇪 seltsamste
🇮🇩 paling aneh
🇺🇦 найдивніший
🇵🇱 najdziwniejszy
🇯🇵 最も奇妙な
🇫🇷 le plus étrange
🇪🇸 el más extraño
🇹🇷 en garip
🇰🇷 가장 기묘한
🇸🇦 الأكثر غرابة
🇨🇿 nejpodivnější
🇸🇰 najdivnejší
🇨🇳 最奇怪的
🇸🇮 najčudnejši
🇮🇸 sú furðulegasta
🇰🇿 ең оғаш
🇬🇪 ყველაზე უცნაური
🇦🇿 ən qəribə
🇲🇽 el más extraño
Etymology
The word 'darnedest' is derived from the colloquial use of 'darn' as a mild swear word, which itself is a euphemism for 'damn.' The use of 'darn' adds a softer tone to the expression, making it more socially acceptable in various contexts. The suffix '-est' indicates the superlative degree, hence 'darnedest' implies 'the most darned' or 'the most remarkable.' Its usage can be traced back to early 20th-century American English, reflecting informal speech patterns prevalent among the working class. Over time, its popularity grew within widely spoken English, especially in the United States, where it came to signify anything that was particularly noteworthy or surprising.