drat
LowInformal, Humorous, Dated/Archaic
Definition
Meaning
A mild exclamation of annoyance or disappointment.
Used as a verb meaning 'to curse' or 'to damn' something, though with a quaint, dated, and humorous tone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Expresses mild vexation, not strong anger. Its archaic quality often lends it a playful or self-consciously old-fashioned tone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More strongly associated with stereotypical British English (particularly older RP), but recognized in AmE. May be perceived as more natural in BrE.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is quaint and humorous. In BrE, it can evoke characters from classic British literature or comedy. In AmE, it may sound affected or deliberately old-timey.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, but slightly higher recognition and historical use in BrE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Drat + NP (object): 'Drat the cat!'Exclamation: 'Drat!'Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Drat and double drat! (a more emphatic, humorous form)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Extremely rare; used humorously to express a very mild annoyance.
Technical
Never used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'I do drat Mondays,' said the colonel, peering over his newspaper.
American English
- She dratted the broken shoelace as she hurried out the door.
adverb
British English
- Not used.
American English
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- Not standard; extremely rare. Could be used poetically/humorously: 'this dratted headache'.
American English
- Not standard; extremely rare. Could be used poetically/humorously: 'this dratted headache'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Oh drat! I dropped my biscuit.
- Drat! The bus is late.
- Drat it! I forgot my umbrella and it's starting to rain.
- 'Drat the man!' she muttered under her breath.
- I do drat this constant noise from the building site next door.
- 'Drat and double drat!' he exclaimed, finding the shop was closed.
- Her Victorian-era character would often 'drat' the clumsiness of the servants in her diary.
- He let out a theatrical 'drat!' more for comedic effect than genuine irritation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cartoon cat or mouse (like Tom and Jerry) saying 'Drat!' after a plan fails. It sounds like 'dragon' starting small—a tiny, toothless puff of annoyance.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANNOYANCE IS A LIGHT CURSE (euphemistic).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not equivalent to strong Russian curses like 'черт!' or 'блядь!'. It is much, much milder.
- Avoid using in serious situations where a real curse might be expected in Russian.
- It has no direct translation; closer to a quaint 'вот черт!' or 'черт побери!' but with a humorous, harmless tone.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in a context of genuine anger, which would sound comically incongruous.
- Overusing it; it's a special-purpose word for light humor.
- Pronouncing it /dreɪt/ or /drɑːt/; it's a short /æ/ sound.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would the use of 'drat' be most appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very mild, euphemistic exclamation. It is often used by or to children, or to be humorously old-fashioned.
Yes, but this usage is even more archaic and literary. For example, 'to drat one's luck.' It is not common in modern speech.
It is mostly used for humorous or theatrical effect. You might hear it in period dramas, cartoons, or from someone being playfully ironic about a minor annoyance.
It is historically more British but is understood in American English. In AmE, it often sounds like an imported Britishism or a deliberate archaism.