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Daggum!

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "daggum" is a folksy exclamation used for emphasis - to show surprise, frustration, or admiration without harsh cussin’.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Southern   #Exclamations   #Euphemisms

Hillbilly Dude Says...
Not only do I use 'daggum!' regularly, but I also hear Angus Young in my head screamin' in ACDC's 'Big Gun' - 'Daggum! Daggum!' 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Not only do I use 'daggum!' regularly, but I also hear Angus Young in my head screamin' in ACDC's 'Big Gun' - 'Daggum! Daggum!' 

Pronunciation

[DAG-uhm]

Meaning & Usage

- Exclamation / Emphasis (interjection)

Earl:
Daggum! I left my hat in the truck again.
Mae:
That’s a daggum pretty quilt you stitched.
variations: daggum, dadgum, doggum
★ "Daggum" is versatile - it can mean you’re mad, impressed, or just filling space in a sentence. The tone of voice tells the story more than the word itself. ★

Origin and Etymology

A softened form of something blasphemous turned into a polite minced oath. Scots-Irish settlers and early Southerners favored softened curses like "doggone," "dadgum," and "dadgummit" so they could vent without swearing outright.

Usage Notes

"Daggum" stands on its own more often than "dadgummit." You’ll hear it in playful teasing, mild annoyance, or exaggeration. It’s common in rural speech, old TV shows, and modern Southern storytelling.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say "dag" quick and sharp, then let "uhm" roll out easy, almost like "gum." It usually comes out in one breathy burst, with the emphasis on "dag."

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "daggum" the same as "dadgummit"?
They’re related. "Daggum" is shorter and more flexible, while "dadgummit" leans toward frustration.
Do people still say it today?
Yes - you’ll hear it across Appalachia and the South, often in lighthearted or joking tones.
Is it considered cussing?
Nope - it’s a safe, family-friendly way to let off steam.
Are there similar words?
Yes - "doggone," "dadgummit," and "consarn" all come from the same tradition of softened oaths.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 8). Daggum!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/daggum
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Daggum!." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/daggum.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Daggum!." HillbillySlang.com. September 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/daggum.
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