also goddamn, late 14c., "the characteristic national oath of Englishmen" [Century Dictionary]. from God + damn, v.. Goddam (Old French godon, 14c.) was said to have been a term of reproach applied to the English by the French.Hence French godan "fraud, deception, humbug" (17c.). Compare Old French godeherre "characteristic exclamation uttered by the Germans," and goditoet, also considered a characteristic exclamation of the English. Goddammes was the nickname given by Puritans to Cavaliers, in consequence of the latter's supposed frequent employment of that oath.