To hate the expression 'lose my rag'

[serajen]

it relates to the use of rags for sanitary wear years before towels/tampons were invented and everytime I hear or see the expression I feel uncomfortable!

how does that relate to getting angry?

I didn't know that.

cos if you lost the piece of material you were using as sanitary wear, you'd be angry too!

yes, that's the origin of it, makes me squirm!

YABU and you should stop feeling uncomfortable. Being 'on the rag' is a crude slang term for menstruation and it's totally different to 'losing your rag'. The verb 'to rag' means to torment, harass or tease.

Suppose you think 'Rag Week' is also sanitary towel related...

I've never thought about it it that way and suggest that you don't either!

Chil1234

I always thought it was to lose your temper. Rag being temper in this case.

Not sure of the sanitary wear link.

I love the phrase though.

I don't think it's that kind of "rag". One definition I read online suggested that 'rag' was an old English word for tongue, which makes sense in this context.

I always associated it with a red rag to a bull=rage.

link for you OP

I really hate the term 'gobsmaked'.

Losing one's rag is nothing to do with disappearing sanitary products though.

That would be 'gobsmacked'.

Got the hump?

Because big, angry men will always make a reference to their menstrual status when having a row, it really enhances their macho credentials.

And I hate the term 'gutted'.

pip

Google could be your new best friend OP.

you know, i can't find anything that actually explains the ORIGIN of the phrase though, when googling

lots of definitions, ie, to lose one's rag means to lose one's temper... but there isn't acytually anywhere that says where the saying came from

we all know it means to get angry... but why rag??

not sure it's anyhting to do with menstruation mind you, but still

Like a red rag to a bull also.
Bull mysoginy

Have a look at this: users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/sayingsl.htm you need to scroll down to the bottom of the page, but it's interesting and sounds as though it could be right.

It looks like it could be something to do with naval slang

'6. (Transport / Nautical Terms) Brit slang, esp naval a flag or ensign
lose one's rag to lose one's temper suddenly'

[probably back formation from ragged, from Old English raggig; related to Old Norse rögg tuft]

Rag is apparently old slang for the tongue -to lose your rag means lose control of your tongue.

Makes sense... and therefore 'a ragging' is a good old tongue-lashing! Ain't English a marvellous thing?

Really?