interjection

fudge

A mild exclamation of frustration used instead of swearing.

Oh fudge, the cake sticks to the pan again.

Etymology

Fudge has been used as an exclamation of dismissal or irritation. Its mild sound also makes it a substitute for stronger profanity, without requiring a separate literal meaning.

More examples

Fudge! I left the tickets at home.
He muttered fudge when the pen leaked.
She said fudge instead of swearing at the broken zipper.

Forms

fudge

Similar words

darn: Another mild substitute for stronger swearing.
shoot: Shoot is another mild exclamation without the candy association.