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Dadburn It!

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Dadburn it!" is a mild exclamation used to express frustration, surprise, or annoyance. It’s a softened substitute for stronger cuss words, much like "darn it" or "doggone it."

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Southern   #Exclamations   #Euphemisms

Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Dadburn it! is one you'll hear out in the country for sure. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Dadburn it! is one you'll hear out in the country for sure. 

Pronunciation

[DAD-burn it]

Meaning & Usage

- Exclamation of frustration or mild annoyance (interjection)

Mae:
You drop that hammer?
Earl:
Dadburn it! Went right through my fingers.

- Exclamation of surprise (interjection)

Mae:
They’re sellin’ the old farm.
Earl:
Dadburn it! I didn’t know that.
variations: dad burn it
★ This is one of a family of colorful, church-friendly Southern exclamations like "dadgum," "dadgummit," and "doggone it." All serve to soften stronger oaths for polite company. ★

Origin and Etymology

From something blasphemous softened over time into "dad-burn" or "dad-gum" in 19th-century rural American English. Preserved strongly in Southern/Appalachian speech as a mild oath suitable for mixed company.

Usage Notes

Still used among older Southerners and in rural speech. Often said in a good-natured or humorous way. Recognized elsewhere but rarely used spontaneously outside the South/Appalachia.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "dad-burn it." Sometimes drawn out: "daaaadburn it!"

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does "dadburn it" mean something stronger?
It’s a softened oath, standing in for "dang it" or something blasphemous.
Is it polite?
Yes - it’s considered a mild exclamation suitable for church socials, family gatherings, and storytelling.
Do people still use it today?
Yes - mostly older speakers or those leaning into a Southern voice.

How to Cite This Page

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