English
Etymology
Portmanteau or contraction of eternal|eternal + damnation|damnation
Noun
en-noun|-
- obsolete The act or process of damnation or reprobation; Hell.
#: 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
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