Durned

/ˈdɜrnd/ adjective

Definition

An adjective expressing mild annoyance or frustration; used euphemistically to modify nouns when someone wants to avoid stronger language.

Etymology

Past participle form of durn, used as an adjective. It follows the pattern of 'darned' and other euphemistic modifications of milder curse words.

Kelly Says

You might hear 'that durned cat knocked over my coffee'—it's family-friendly frustration, the linguistic equivalent of a frown where a full curse would be a scream.

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