be darned
Mild surprise or annoyance.
Also called I will be darned, darned.
Updated September 21, 2026
be darned pronunciation
/bee DARND/
Meaning
A soft stand-in for stronger swear phrases. Well I will be darned marks surprise. Be darned if I know shrugs off knowledge. Polite enough for mixed company in a lot of Southern homes.
How folks use it
- “Well I will be darned. You fixed it.”
- “Be darned if I can find that wrench.”
Origin and etymology
Minced oath from damn / damned. Darn softened the curse for churchgoing and mixed company speech. Widespread American English with deep roots in Southern manners talk.