doggone
/ˈdɒɡɒn
/North American informal
adjective [attributive]
Used to express feelings of annoyance, surprise, or pleasure: now just a doggone minute [as submodifier]: it’s doggone good to be home...
- Wait a doggone minute!
- This 1953 effort isn't a complete waste of time, but it comes doggone close.
- Flood their doggone offices with requests to do something.
verb [with object]
Damn; darn (used to express surprise, irritation, or anger): from that moment, doggone it if I didn’t see a motivation in Joey! I’ll be doggoned if every fourth kid is affected...
- But I'll be doggoned if I hear either man talking in concrete terms about specifics and the real issues that are going to affect the future of the country.
- I'll cut down on meat, but I'll be doggoned if I'll freeze to death in my own living room.
- Today I'll be walking around saying ‘I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!’
Origin
Early 19th century: probably from dog on it, euphemism for God damn it.