Definitions For Tarnation

Adverb

{{en-adv}} very, very; extremely.

Usage notes

This new englandism has fallen out of use in New England, but is remembered for its colorfulness and is still used in the Southeastern United States as a minced oath, where ‘hell’ or ‘damn’ would otherwise be said, especially in the phrase "what in tarnation".

Adjective

bothersome, bothersome; devilish. {{non-gloss definition, Generic intensifier.}}

Interjection

{{en-interj}} (archaic) {{non-gloss definition, Used to express anger, irritation, disappointment, annoyance, contempt, etc.}}

Noun

TARNATION. (countable and uncountable, plural TARNATIONs) (archaic) The act or process of damnation or reprobation; hell. : What in tarnation is going on? (obsolete) Someone or something that causes trouble; troublemaker.

Etymology

From darnation, influenced by tarnal (from eternal); see darn.

Anagrams

Tarantino, intra-NATO, tranation