tarnal

/ ˈtɑːnəl /

adjective

1. (prenominal) damned

adverb

1. (intensifier)

   tarnal lucky!

Other Word Forms

• tarnally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarnal¹

C18: aphetic dialect pronunciation of _eternal

Example Sentences

A certain thrifty granger of the writer's acquaintance was recently converted from the error of his attitude towards the "tarnal weeds and brush."

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“Waal, I’m glad I done somethin’, though I’d bin a ’tarnal sight gladder if I hed ketched that woman.”

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The "'tarnal" smartness in which the railway refreshment counters, for example, are dressed up, the tight waists and "tasteful" white caps of the female servants, the everlasting monsieur and madame, and especially the quickness and snappishness of enunciation, suggesting such an inward impatience, quite absurdly gave on my nerves.

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Too late your madness you will see,    And when your passion cools, "Snakes!" you will bellow, "How could we    Have been such 'tarnal fools!"

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I’m sick as a dog, or a mangy hog, Of this ’tarnal nasty fightin’, That’s all gone wrong, and lasts too long For a man that’s thinkin’ o’ kitin’.

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