goddamn thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "goddamn thing" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and contains profanity.
It can be used to express frustration or emphasis regarding an object or situation, often in a casual or colloquial context. Example: "I can't believe this goddamn thing won't start again!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not a goddamn thing.

The New Yorker

Not a goddamn thing will be done".

The Guardian

But no one bought a goddamn thing.

The Guardian - Music

These boys don't know a goddamn thing.

The New Yorker

Don't do a goddamn thing, neither.

The New Yorker

So they have to dump the whole goddamn thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I don't think Trump knows a goddamn thing about economics.

The Guardian - Business

That said, she embellished when she says, of "The Fame," that she "did the whole goddamn thing".

The New Yorker

"I would have had the whole goddamn thing offline when the signal came in".

The New Yorker

"Boy, you don't know a goddamn thing about baseball," his father finally said.

The New York Times

"Nobody ever got a goddamn thing out of this damn bugging".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "goddamn thing" sparingly and consider your audience. It's best reserved for informal situations or when you want to emphasize strong feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "goddamn thing" in professional or academic contexts. The profanity can undermine your credibility and make your writing seem unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goddamn thing" functions as an intensifier combined with a noun. It adds emphasis and expresses strong emotion (usually negative) towards the object or situation being described. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, albeit with a caveat about its informality and profanity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "goddamn thing" is a common, albeit informal and profane, way to express frustration or strong emphasis in English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct but best reserved for casual contexts. While highly prevalent in News & Media sources, its usage should be carefully considered in formal settings. Alternatives such as "damn thing" or less intense options like "that thing" may be more appropriate depending on the audience and situation. Understanding the nuances of register and potential offensiveness is crucial when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damn thing

Removes the religious element, reducing the intensity of the expression.

bloody thing

A British English alternative that conveys frustration without religious connotations.

darn thing

A minced oath version that avoids profanity altogether.

flipping thing

A milder euphemism, suitable for less offensive contexts.

that thing

Replaces the expletive with a neutral determiner, significantly lowering the emotional impact.

annoying contraption

Focuses on the item's annoying qualities, suitable when the user wants to be descriptive and less profane.

cursed object

More formal and dramatic, implying the object is the source of misfortune.

confounded item

Expresses frustration in a slightly old-fashioned, indirect way.

infernal device

A more archaic and theatrical way to express annoyance with a complex or malfunctioning item.

pesky item

Understates the frustration, appropriate for polite company.

FAQs

What does "goddamn thing" mean?

The phrase "goddamn thing" is used to express frustration, annoyance, or strong emphasis about an object or situation. It's an informal expression that adds emotional intensity.

When is it appropriate to use "goddamn thing"?

It's appropriate in informal settings, casual conversations, or when you want to strongly emphasize your feelings. Avoid it in formal writing, professional environments, or when speaking with someone who might be offended by profanity.

What can I say instead of "goddamn thing"?

You can use alternatives like "damn thing", "bloody thing" (British English), or less offensive options like "that thing" depending on the context and audience.

Is "goddamn thing" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "goddamn thing" is grammatically correct in informal English. However, its use is often considered vulgar or offensive, so it should be used with caution.