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Meaning of what in tarnation | Babel Free

Interjection CEFR C1

Definitions

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

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.”
“Other euphemisms of this type⟳ (and there are many) include⟳ what in tarnation for what in damnation and what the Sam Hill for what the damn hell.”
“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!?”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

what in the world what is it what is this I don't even what it be what it do what of it

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