goddamn
UK[ˈɡɒdˈdæm]US[ˈɡɑːdˈdæm]
adj
Used to express strong anger, annoyance, or emphasis
adv
Used for emphasis, especially to express anger or annoyance
Morpheme Breakdown
god
damn
god
damn
Etymology
The word "goddamn" is a compound expletive formed from the imperative phrase "God damn (me/it/you)." Its components trace back to Old English "god" (supreme being, deity) and Latin "damnare" (to condemn, sentence), which entered English via Old French "damner." Originally a direct invocation for divine condemnation, its usage softened over centuries into a general, emphatic swear word expressing intense anger, frustration, or emphasis, largely shedding its literal theological force while retaining its potent emotional charge.
Analysis
Structure: god + damn
- god: Old English; a deity, the supreme being. In this compound, it serves as an intensifier.
- damn: Latin (via Old French); to condemn, to inflict a curse upon. In this compound, it serves as the core verb expressing condemnation.
Examples
That goddamn car won't start again.
He's a goddamn hero for what he did.
I'm so goddamn tired of all this arguing.