rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydratMild annoyance
interjection / verb

drat

DRAT/dræt/

Express mild annoyance or frustration.

Drat, the tipped coffee mug has spilled across the table.

A man pauses over a small spill from his tipped coffee mug, showing mild annoyance with a restrained grimace and one palm turned upward.
Etymology
dratEnglisha curse wishing decay

Drat softens the curse “God rot” someone or something. What began as a wish for harm became a mild exclamation of annoyance or frustration.

In context

Adafruit Industries57:49
okay so that won't answer it for us drat
JOHN PARK'S WORKSHOP LIVE 12/2/21 NeoSlider Controller Build @adafruit @johnedgarpark #adafruit

More examples

  • Drat! The store is already closed.
  • Oh, drat, I left my keys upstairs.
  • Drat this zipper—it keeps getting stuck.

Forms

drat · drats · dratted · dratting

Similar words

darn
Also expresses mild annoyance, but can additionally show surprise.
shoot
Expresses frustration or disappointment without directly cursing a thing.