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!

yes that does make sense actually!

Before women had access to modern sanitary items for their monthly visit, they had to use home made cotton/natural fibre pads that they would have to wash and re-use. They were referred to as 'rags'...even in the Bible it referred to these 'rags' "They're good works were as filthy rags". Men have always dismissed women who have lost their temper as 'Losing they're rags' meaning they were only in a bad mood/short tempered because of their period.... It's actually a sexist and dismissive comment.lol

ZOMBIE THREAD PEOPLE!

"Rule of thumb," is my pet hate, what a truly awful phrase.

Is this a wind up? I hope so for your sake op otherwise you are a bit weird.

Don't they sell 'ragger' toys for dogs?

Millenniumbug1 It is a truly awful phrase if you believe the antiislamic made up version that did the rounds a few years ago. If you go back to the original meaning - er - well you can't, it's too old.

It may be a zombie thread but it's a good one.

I don't see the problem, that's not the meaning I apply to it and it doesn't bother me now I know the origins as we've moved on from that. A great example in how language and attitudes evolve imo

"Losing your rag" is a sexist comment?? Has to be a joke,it's not a phrase exclusively addressed to women! It's used about anyone. Incidentally my mum and auntie always used torn-up bits of old sheets or old cloth each month and never referred to them as "rags".