Deuced

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈd(j)uːsɪd/

Definitions

1. Confoundedly or extremely annoying in a mild or humorous way, often used as a mild oath expressing frustration or emphasis
2. Marked by an extreme degree of annoyance or frustration that often carries a humorous undertone, typically used to enhance a statement as a mild exclamation
3. Characterized by an extremely bothersome quality, sometimes delivered with comedic intent, often serving as an informal interjection of irritation or emphasis

Etymology: "Deuced" is built from "deuce" with the suffix "-ed," and the result is a mild, slightly old-fashioned way of saying "confounded" or "extremely." The base word "deuce" is the interesting part. It was originally the number two on dice and playing cards, and it became a euphemism for "devil." People who did not want to say "the devil" or "devil take it" reached for "deuce" instead, which is why expressions like "what the deuce" or "the deuce take it" meant something like "what the devil." The word carried that mildly oathlike force, which is what "deuced" inherits. The suffix "-ed" turns the noun into an adjective, so "deuced" describes something as though it were under the influence of that devilish force: a deuced nuisance is a thoroughly annoying one. The intensifying sense grew out of the same euphemistic habit of softening a curse by swapping in a harmless-sounding word.

Synonyms: damned, cursed

Antonyms: blessed