Dang

/dæŋ/ interjection

Definition

A mild exclamation expressing annoyance, frustration, or surprise; a euphemistic replacement for a stronger curse word.

Etymology

An American alteration of 'dang it' or 'hang it,' created as a polite substitute for 'damn' in the 1800s. It's a bowdlerization—a deliberate softening of profanity.

Kelly Says

Dang is a perfect example of how language stays secretly honest—everyone knows you mean 'damn' but saying 'dang' lets you swear in front of your parents without technically breaking the rules.

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