Etymology Journal ยท W
What in tarnation?
Meaning
- An old-timey, classic expression of confusion or anger. It is the quintessential 'cowboy' expletive used when things have gone completely wrong.
Folksy, comedic
Used in a sentence
- What in tarnation is that loud noise coming from the barn?
- What in tarnation were you thinking when you painted the kitchen neon orange?
- I went to start the tractor and it wouldn't budge. What in tarnation?
The backstory
It is widely believed to be a minced oath for 'damnation.' It became an iconic part of American Western stereotypes throughout the 20th century.
Heard in
The South, The West
Vibe check