darned
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- 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