Who Said "Tarnation" in Movies

The phrase "What in tarnation" is a mild exclamation of surprise, curiosity, or dismay, often used in informal contexts. It's a euphemistic way of saying "What the heck" or "What the devil," aiming to expresses strong emotion without using offensive language.

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Roots of "What in tarnation" can be traced back to the late 19th century, with its first known appearance in print occurring in 1889. It's a blend of the question "What" and the exclamation "Tarnation," a milder substitute for "Damnation."

an image of a man with a hat and glasses holding a knife in his hand

character Said "What in Tarnation"

This phrase is often attributed to characters in literature, films, or folklore, Here we explore some examples of fictional and historical characters using this expression.

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It's important to note that while these characters might have used similar exclamations, direct quotes of "What in tarnation" are often anachronistic orQuietly added for dramatic effect, reflecting the language of the time the story was written rather than the character's original era.

Mark Twain's Characters

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Mark Twain, known for his use of regional dialects and slang, had characters use variations of this phrase in his works. In "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," Huck exclaims, "What is it? Good land! What's the matter?" when he finds Jim missing from the raft. Although not a direct quote, it encapsulates the same shock and confusion as "What in tarnation."

In "Roughing It," the chorus of a song sung by a group of prospectors includes the line, "What in tarnation… Do we care?" demonstrating the phrase's use in a more lighthearted context.

Classic Western Films

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"What in tarnation" has been attributed to characters in numerous classic Western films, reflecting the genre's penchant for gritty realism and robust language. In "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valentine," the titular character, played by Lee Van Cleef, employs the phrase when surprised by a sudden betrayal.

Similarly, in "Shane," the eponymous gunslinger, played by Alan Ladd, uses the phrase when shown a stark reminder of his past. In both cases, the characters' use of the phrase underscores the films' emphasis on sudden reversals of fortune and the consequences of violence.

"What in Tarnation" in Folklore and Everyday Usage

an image of a hat with the words what in translation and hello, hola

"What in tarnation" has also found its way into folktales and everyday usage, reflecting its origin as a casual exclamation of surprise or confusion.

In folktales, the phrase often accompanies encounters with the supernatural or unexpected. For instance, in some versions of the Southern jack tales, the protagonist, Jack, might exclaim "What in tarnation" upon encountering a talking animal or a supernatural entity.

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Folklore and Legend

In "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Ichabod Crane's famous exclamation upon encountering the Headless Horseman is often paraphrased as "What in tarnation" in some retellings, capturing the same sense of startled surprise as Washington Irving's original "WhatCV(JR) is this?"

In African American folklore, the phrase is similarly employed in stories involving supernatural or startling events. For example, in tales featuring the trickster figure Anansi, characters might exclaim "What in tarnation" upon discovering one of Anansi's deceptions or upon being outwitted by him.

Everyday Usage in Modern Times

Today, "What in tarnation" remains a staple of everyday language, particularly in the Southern United States and other regions where it has become a familiar part of the local vernacular. It's often used to express a wide range of emotions, from confusion and surprise to annoyance and dismay.

For instance, a homeowner might exclaim "What in tarnation" upon discovering a leaky pipe, while a sports fan might use the phrase to express disbelief at a unexpected turn of events in a game. In each case, the phrase captures the same sense of surprise and confusion as it did in its original context.

In the end, "What in tarnation" continues to serve as a versatile and enduring expression of surprise and confusion, reflection its roots in late 19th-century American culture. Its continued usage, from classic literature and film to everyday conversation, is a testament to its enduring appeal and relevance. So, the next time you find yourself at a loss for words in the face of the unexpected, you might just ask, "What in tarnation?"