goddamn

"Goddamn" is an expletive in the English language used to express strong emotions such as anger, frustration, or excitement. It is a compound word formed from "God" and "damn." The term is considered blasphemous by some religious individuals due to its direct invocation of the divine name in a profane context.

Historically, the use of "damn" as an expletive dates back to the 14th century, and the addition of "God" intensified its perceived sacrilege. Its usage has varied across different cultures and time periods, often reflecting societal attitudes towards religion and profanity. In some contexts, "goddamn" can be used as an adjective or adverb, for example, "that goddamn car" or "he's goddamn right."

The word's reception ranges from being considered highly offensive and inappropriate in formal settings to being used more casually among certain groups. Its intensity and the taboo surrounding its components contribute to its power as an expletive. Legal and social restrictions on its public use have existed, though contemporary attitudes towards profanity are generally more lenient than in previous centuries. The term remains a common, albeit often jarring, element in informal spoken and written English.