Dadburn

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "dadburn" - sometimes heard as "dagburn" - is a mild expletive meaning "darn" or "confounded." It’s a softened form of a cuss word, used to show irritation without cussing outright.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Southern #Euphemisms

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'dadburn' all my life around here. And still today.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'dadburn' all my life around here. And still today.

Pronunciation

[DAD-burn]

Meaning & Usage

- Mild expletive for emphasis (saying)

Mae:

That dadburn gate won’t shut right.

Earl:

Oughta oil the hinges.

variations: dadbern, dagburn

★ "Dadburn" is safe for polite company. It lets you fuss without crossing into cussin’. ★

Origin and Etymology

Likely a softened form of something blasphemous, altered to "dad-burn" in the 19th century to avoid blasphemy. Appalachian and Southern speech is full of such minced oaths - "dadgum," "dagnabbit," "consarn it."

Usage Notes

Still heard in the mountains and South, though often by older speakers. Younger folks may use it playfully or with a wink to tradition.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it sharp: "dad-burn." Stress the first part, clip the second.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "dadburn" actually mean "dang"?

Yes - it’s a softened, polite version used instead of swearing.

Is it the same as "dadgum"?

Close - both are minced oaths, but "dadburn" feels older and a bit rarer today.

Do people still say it today?

Yes, though mostly among older speakers or in families that keep mountain talk alive.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 11). Dadburn. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/dadburn
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Dadburn." HillbillySlang.com, 11 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/dadburn.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Dadburn." HillbillySlang.com. September 11, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/dadburn.

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