darn

Something you say when you are annoyed or disappointed, instead of a stronger swear word.

• Darn! I missed the bus.
• Oh darn, the shop is closed.
• Darn it! I've spilled tea on my shirt.

Similar words: drat

Common phrases: oh darn, darn it

Used before a noun to show annoyance or add emphasis without using a strong swear word.

• This darn door won't open.
• I lost my darn keys again.
• The darn printer stopped halfway through the job.

Similar words: darned, blasted

Common phrases: that darn thing, darn car, every darn time

Used to mean very, with mild emphasis.

• This cake is darn good.
• I'm darn sure I locked the door.
• They worked darn hard to finish on time.

Similar words: very, really

Common phrases: darn good, darn sure, darn hard

To repair a hole in cloth by sewing threads across it.

• Can you darn these socks?
• She darned a small hole in her sweater.
• He learned to darn with a needle and wool.

Similar words: mend, repair

Common phrases: darn a sock, darn a hole, darn your stockings

To express anger at someone or something by wishing something bad would happen to them.

• Darn you for hiding my keys!
• Darn that machine; it has broken again.
• Well, I'll be darned! You actually won.

Similar words: curse

Opposites: bless

Common phrases: darn you, darn that thing