# dammit

/ˈdæmɪt/ (US) · /dˈæmɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dammit
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. expressing anger

interjection · CEFR B2 · Vulgar · Informal

a word you shout when you are frustrated, angry, or have made a mistake.

For teachers: an exclamation used to express irritation, contempt, or disappointment. It is a variant of 'damn it' and carries a similar level of mild profanity.

- Dammit, I forgot my keys in the car again.
- Dammit, we missed the last train by less than a minute, and now we have to wait for an hour in the cold.

### 2. military fastener

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Slang

a small metal piece used to hold a pin or medal onto a uniform.

For teachers: a small metal clutch or fastener used to secure medals, ribbons, or name tags to a military uniform.

- He lost the dammit for his medal and had to buy a replacement.
- The soldier carefully secured the dammits onto the back of his ribbons to ensure they wouldn't fall off during the inspection.

Usage: Commonly used in military jargon to refer to the butterfly clutch on the back of a pin.

## Examples

- Dammit, I missed the bus again.
- He dropped his keys into the drain and muttered, 'Dammit,' under his breath.
- Dammit, I specifically told the team to double-check the figures before the presentation began.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.