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verdomde

A South African Afrikaans exclamatory word meaning damned or cursed, used as an intensifier or expletive in South African English.

vɚˈdoʊməd189 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

A South African Afrikaans exclamatory word meaning damned or cursed, used as an intensifier or expletive in South African English. Borrowed from Afrikaans into South African English where it functions as a mild oath. Used in frustration, surprise, or emphasis.

The verdomde car would not start again — third time this week.
Origin: From Afrikaans verdomde, past participle of verdoem (to damn), from Dutch verdoemen. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
For parents

"verdomde" means: A South African Afrikaans exclamatory word meaning damned or cursed, used as an intensifier or expletive in South African English. Borrowed.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

"verdomde" means: A South African Afrikaans exclamatory word meaning damned or cursed, used as an intensifier or expletive in South African English. Borrowed.... Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. Note the regional or dialect label (South African) — usage may sound odd outside that variety. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.

Cluster: intensifier
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(South Africa) damned.

Cluster: general
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For specific readers

"verdomde" means: A South African Afrikaans exclamatory word meaning damned or cursed, used as an intensifier or expletive in South African English. Borrowed.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.

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