darn

Everyday

1. To darn a sock or jumper is to mend a hole by sewing threads across it. tree →
2. (mild swearing) «Darn!» or «Darn it!» is said when you are annoyed, instead of a stronger word. tree →
3. (informal) Darn or darned means very, or annoying: a darn good idea, that darn cat. tree →

In the lessons

In real speech, especially in North America, «darn» is a polite replacement for ruder words; it is mild and often heard in children's films. In history and everyday life people darned socks instead of buying new ones. In stories it shows a character is cross but polite.

Examples

• Grandma darned the hole in my sock. tree →
• (mild) Darn it, I forgot my lunch! tree →
• (mild) That darn cat knocked over the plant again. tree →
• (informal) It was a darn good match. tree →
• She sat by the fire darning a jumper. tree →
• (mild) Darn, the bus has gone! tree →

Note

Regular verb: darned, darning. The interjection is a softened swear word (a «minced oath»), fine for most children but not for formal writing. «Darned» (adjective) means the same as the mild «darn».