The phrase "what in tarnation" is a mild exclamation of surprise or disbelief that has become a staple in American English. But do you know where it came from? This question has baffled many, leading to a myriad of fascinating yet unproven theories. Let's delve into the origins of this curious expression, exploring the most compelling hypotheses and their contextual evidence.
To understand the origins of "what in tarnation," we must first examine the historical usage of similar exclamations. This profanity-free wonder has its roots in various regional dialects and cultural influences. By tracing its linguistic lineage, we can shed some light on this perplexing puzzle.
The Biblical Connection
"What in tarnation" first gained traction in the late 19th century, intertwining with religious themes from early American society. Let's explore the potential biblical connections that could have influenced its creation.
One theory suggests that "tarnation" arose from the phrase "eternal damnation," morphed through generations of storytelling and regional dialect changes. Proponents of this theory argue that, during the early days of American settlement, travel preachers would use vivid, dramatic language to warn unconverted souls about the terrors of hell. In this context, "eternal damnation" could have been corrupted into "tarnation," condensing the phrase and making it a more portable exclamation.
Evolution of "Damnation"
The evolution of "damnation" to "tarnation" is supported by historical documents and etymological research. In 1876, for instance, a Vermont newspaper used the phrase "what tarnation," indicating that the term had entered popular vernacular by the late 1800s. This timeline aligns with the rise of evangelical Protestant movements and their impact on American language and culture.
Another piece of evidence comes from the works of Mark Twain. In his semi-autobiographical novel, "Roughing It" (1872), Twain mentions "tarnation" in the context of a Colorado mining camp: "I was half-blinded by the blaze of the green light and what was left of my reason almost tarnation near gone by that time." By 1872, "tarnation" was evidently being used interchangeably with "damnation," indicating a well-established, accepted variant.
Regional Accents and Dialect Shifts
The transformation of "damnation" to "tarnation" may also have been influenced by regional accents and dialect shifts. Throughout the American South and West, the 'd' and 'n' sounds were often softened or elided, leading to contractions like "gonna" instead of "going to." Similarly, "damnation" could have morphed into "tarnation" through this process of linguistic adaptation.
Support for this theory lies in the prevalence of "tarnation" in Southern and Western literature and folklore. As settlers moved westward, they carried their unique regional speech patterns with them, giving rise to distinct linguistic dialects. The alteration of "damnation" to "tarnation" may have been one such adaptation, providing a usefully mild exclamation in otherwise profanity-free communities.
Folklore and Popular Culture
Contrary to the biblical connection, some folklorists and linguistic experts believe "what in tarnation" stems from more earthly origins, rooted in American folk traditions and popular culture. Let's consider these alternative hypotheses.
One widely circulated theory suggests that "tarnation" is a cornpone-friendly euphemism for "hellation," a phrase that combines "hell" and "nation" to create a mildly profane expression. Proponents of this theory argue that "tarnation" was a way for speakers to express shock or dismay without using genuine swear words, thus making it a popular choice among families and communities that valued polite language.
The Cornpone Hypothesis
Folklorist Wayland Hand, in his 1987 book "Handbook of American Folklore," presented evidence supporting the corn pone connection. He quoted an anonymous correspondent from Kentucky who claimed that "tarnation" was a childhood substitute for more profane expressions: "The first time I heard the beautiful old saying 'What in tarnation' I assumed that the speaker had reduced the swear word 'hell' to 'hellation' and then cleaned it up by substituting 'tarnation' for 'hellation.' "
Hand's analysis is bolstered by the prevalence of "tarnation" in American humor and popular culture. From newspaper comic strips like "Gasoline Alley" to Depression-era films, "tarnation" was a go-to exclamation for portraying folksy, good-natured Southern characters. This usage continued throughout the mid-20th century, solidifying "what in tarnation" as a recognizably American idiom.
Georgia Congressman Thomas Watson
Another interesting tidbit comes from Georgia Congressman Thomas Watson, who used "tarnation" in an 1867 speech: "What in tarnation did you bring me here for?" Although this usage was not the origin, it demonstrates the term's early appearance in political contexts, indicating a more widespread acceptance into mainstream American discourse.
By the early 20th century, "what in tarnation" had become firmly entrenched in the American lexicon, popping up in popular literature, music, and film. In Buster Keaton's 1928 silent comedy "The Iron Horse," a character exclaims "Whoopin' tarnation!" after being nearly crushed by a runaway train, providing just one example of the phrase's pervasiveness during this era.
As with many fascinating linguistic conundrums, the true origins of "what in tarnation" may remain shrouded in mystery. However, by examining its historical usage and contextual evidence, we can make educated inferences about its potential roots. Whether it arose from religious fervor, regional dialect shifts, or folkloric euphemism, one thing is clear: "what in tarnation" has become an indelible part of the American linguistic landscape, a enduring symbol of our cultural heritage. So, the next time you find yourself exclaiming "what in tarnation," take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of language and history that has brought it to your lips.