goddam
UK[ˌɡɒdˈdæm]US[ˌɡɑːdˈdæm]
adj
Used to express anger, annoyance, or emphasis, often considered offensive
adv
Used for emphasis, often to express anger or annoyance
Etymology
The word 'goddam' is a contraction of the phrase "God damn," used as a profane oath or curse. Its earliest recorded use in English dates to the late 14th century, directly invoking a divine condemnation. The term gained particular notoriety during the Hundred Years' War, where French soldiers reportedly referred to English soldiers as "les goddams" due to their frequent use of the oath. Over centuries, the phrase condensed into a single word, transitioning from a literal imprecation to a general-purpose intensifier expressing strong emotion, though it retains its offensive character.
Analysis
This is a tight compound expletive formed from two English words. It is not productively built from classical morphemes and functions as a single, fused lexical unit.
Examples
Where is that goddam key?
He's a goddam hero for what he did.
I told you to fix this goddam thing yesterday.