Phrase guide

what in tarnation

intj · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

intj

Meaning 1

Used to add emphasis to "what" when beginning a question.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • 2003. Judith Silverstein, Michael Lasky, "Online dating for dummies" What in Tarnation to Write I still remember the first girl I called up for a date at age 15.
  • 2007. Diane Stanley. "The Mysterious Case of the Allbright Academy" Page 141. “What in tarnation do you think you're doing?”
  • What in tarnation have you done with my wallet!?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.