in tarnation?



in tarnation?

Used as an intensifier after a question word (who, what, where, when, why, and how) to express extreme confusion, surprise, or aggravation. Primarily heard in US. And just how in tarnation am I supposed to have three reports done by 9 AM tomorrow? Where in tarnation did you find that rusty old car? Who in tarnation is making all that noise?

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Eteri-Georgian
Tyron-English
Patriciopah-TREE-thyo (Spanish), pah-TREE-syo (Latin American Spanish)Spanish
LeslieLEZ-lee, LES-leeEnglish
Valentine['væləntain]
Praskoviyaprah-SKOV-yahRussian