on the rag

From rag as a vulgar term for a menstrual pad. First use appears c. 1967 in the publication Current Slang.

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on the rag

1. (idiomatic, vulgar, slang, sometimes euphemistic) Menstruating.

   Synonym: on one's period

   • 1983, The Big Chill:

     Harold: How is Sarah? I don't want to jump her while she's on the rag.

2. (idiomatic, by extension) In a bad mood; angry or irritable.

• groaneth