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doggone it
01
used to express mild frustration, annoyance, or disappointment
Dated
Euphemistic
Informal
What is the origin of the exclamation "doggone it" and how is it used?
Doggone it is an exclamation used to express mild frustration, annoyance, or disappointment. It appeared in American English in the 19th century as a euphemistic substitute for "God damn it," allowing speakers to convey irritation without swearing. People used it in everyday speech, newspapers, and literature, especially in rural or family-friendly contexts. Today it sounds old-fashioned, inoffensive, and mildly emphatic, often signaling annoyance or frustration in a lighthearted or casual way.
Examples
Doggone it! I missed the bus by two seconds.



























