An exclamatory phrase often utilized by those originating in the Southern United States, often having equivalence to "What the heck?"
"What in tarnation!? Are you using my hot sauce?"
A term used by those south of the Mason-Dixon line. Used to describe suprising or shocking situations (similiar usage as "what the fuck")
What in tarnation!?!?!? Where did that copper-headed rattle water moccasin come from?!?
When your an old country folk and is confused
Billy ray Cyrus: HANNAH! What in tarnation IS RICO DOING WITH THAT CUCUMBER???
what you say when you are confused about something.
What in fuck tarnations are you doing?