How to Pronounce "what in tarnation"
expression
WUHT in tar-NAY-shuhn
WOT in tar-NAY-shuhn
Definition
An old-fashioned and humorous way to show surprise, confusion, or disbelief, similar to saying 'what on earth' or 'what the heck.'
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhwət/, /ˈwət/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /tɑɹˈneɪʃən
British English
wˈɒt/ /ˈɪn/ /tɑːnˈeɪʃən
Simplified Pronunciation
US
WUHT in tar-NAY-shuhn
UK
WOT in tar-NAY-shuhn
Listen in Context
What in tarnation is that noise outside?
What in tarnation are you wearing?
What in tarnation happened to my phone?
What in tarnation did you do to this cake?