Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Used as an intensifier, often expressing annoyance, surprise, or emphasis: "darned" is a mild, informal expletive used to strengthen the meaning of a noun or adjective, typically replacing stronger swear words.

Usage

• Function: It is used attributively (before a noun) or predictively (after a linking verb like 'is') to add strong emphasis, often with a tone of frustration, admiration, or simple intensification.
• Tone: It is considered a euphemistic or softened substitute for words like "damned." Its use makes the expression less offensive while maintaining emphatic force.

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun): (Emphasizes frustration about the keys.) (Emphasizes the high quality of his skill.)
• Predictive use: (Emphasizes the slowness.) (Expresses great surprise.)

Advanced Usage

• "I'll be darned": A common exclamation of surprise or disbelief.
• "darned well": Used for strong emphasis before a verb.

Variants and Related Words

• Darn (verb/adjective/interjection): The base form. As a verb: to mend fabric. As an adjective/interjection: a milder variant of "darned."
• Darnedest (adjective, informal): Used in the phrase "the darnedest thing" to mean "the most surprising or remarkable thing."

Synonyms

• Blasted: Informal intensifier.
• Confounded: Informal intensifier, often showing annoyance.
• Dang (adjective/interjection): An even milder variant of "darned."

Related Phrases

• "Hot darn": An exclamation of excitement or pleasant surprise.

Adjective

1. expletives used informally as intensifiers
   • he's a blasted idiot
   • it's a blamed shame
   • a blame cold winter
   • not a blessed dime
   • I'll be damned (or blessed or darned or goddamned) if I'll do any such thing
   • he's a damn (or goddam or goddamned) fool
   • a deuced idiot
   • an infernal nuisance