English
Etymology Portmanteau or contraction of eternal|eternal + damnation|damnation
Noun en-noun|-
#: What in tarnation is going on?
Usage notes This New Englandism has fallen out of usage, but is remembered for its colorfulness. It was often used as a minced interjection, where ‘hell’ or ‘damn’ might have been said instead.
Category:English intensifiers Category:Euphemisms
ru:tarnation
