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Damn

Purpose

Expressive exclamation

Language

English

Emotions Expressed

Surprise • Frustration • Emphasis

Damn

"Damn" is a common English exclamation used to express a range of emotions, including surprise, frustration, or emphasis. It is considered a mild profanity, though its use has become widespread in casual speech and informal writing.

The word "damn" originated as a verb meaning "to condemn or censure," derived from the Latin verb "damnare." Over time, it evolved into an exclamation used to convey strong feelings or to add emphasis to a statement. While it was once considered highly offensive, "damn" has become increasingly accepted in modern English, though it is still generally avoided in formal or polite contexts.

Some common usages of "damn" include:

  • Expressing surprise or frustration: "Damn, I forgot my keys again!"
  • Adding emphasis to a statement: "That test was damn hard."
  • As a general expletive or intensifier: "I don't give a damn what they think."

While "damn" is still considered profanity by many, its pervasive use in popular culture and casual speech has led to a gradual lessening of its taboo status in recent decades. However, it remains a word that should be used judiciously, especially in professional or formal settings.