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View synonyms for drat

drat

[ drat ]

verb (used with object)

, drat·ted, drat·ting.
  1. to damn; confound:

    Drat your interference.



interjection

  1. (used to express mild disgust, disappointment, or the like):

    Drat, there goes another button off my shirt.

drat

/ dræt /

interjection

  1. slang.
    an exclamation of annoyance (also in the phrases drat it! drat you! etc)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of drat1

First recorded in 1805–15; alteration of (o)d rot God rot (i.e., may God rot him, her, it)
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Word History and Origins

Origin of drat1

C19: probably alteration of God rot
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Example Sentences

When Mr. Anobile began work on “Why a Duck?,” he recalled, he envisioned creating a short, simple book, like “Drat,” filled with quotations and stills from Marx Brothers films.

Drat, thought Ralph, and he ran up Ryan’s leg in hopes of a glimpse of the test that lay ahead.

“Drat,” Jinjoo whispered as she ushered her brothers into the smelly outhouse.

That’s a question the Seahawks will likely deliver a final answer to when the drat rolls around later this month, the logical time to make a trade if the Seahawks were to eventually consider it.

“Drat that boy,” interposed my sister, frowning at me over her work, “what a questioner he is. Ask no questions, and you’ll be told no lies.”

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More About Drat

What does drat mean?

Drat is something you say to express mild frustration, disappointment, or disgust.

Drat is most commonly used as an interjection (something exclaimed to express some kind of emotion). Less commonly, it is used as a verb with a meaning similar to damn, for which it is considered a euphemism (a milder version).

Example: Drat, I lost my phone!

Where does drat come from?

The first records of drat in English come from the early 1800s. It is likely an alteration of the archaic phrase God rot as in God rot you for that, you rapscallion! (Note: If someone ever says this to you, you probably deserved it.)

Despite its origin, drat is used as a mild alternative for damn—much like darn, dang, and doggone. Is it most often used as an interjection, as in Drat, my joints ache or Drat! I’m late! It can also be used as a verb, as in Drat this rain! 

To our modern ears, drat sounds old-timey or outdated. If someone were to say those examples above, it’s probably because they’re trying to be a bit funny or ironic.

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What are some synonyms for drat?

What are some words that share a root or word element with drat?

 

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing drat?

 

How is drat used in real life?

Drat is usually used as an interjection in situations when one is frustrated, though perhaps not so severely.

 

 

Try using drat!

Is drat used correctly in the following sentence?

Drat, I just stubbed my toe on the table.

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