Jack’s Winning Words 10/4/21 “Oh, Rats!” (Charlie Brown)  Oh, Rats!, I forgot to mention that October 2, 1950, was the anniversary of publishing the first Peanuts comic strip.  Cartoonist Charles Schulz was a mild-mannered person, much like Charlie Brown.  “Rats” was as much of a swear word that he could utter.  Did you know that “Oh, Rats” was a softened version of “Oh, God”, just as “Gol Darn” is a sanitized version of a much harsher expletive?”  Expressing frustration verbally can be a healthy release, and “Oh Rats” is one way to do so. What phrase to you use to express frustration?  “Rats” is one of mine.  ;-) Jack DROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i am afraid mine are a bit more vile than oh rats!  i do need to "curb" my tongue somewhat.   and there is a lot to be frustrated about these days.   still,  God is good and we all need to calm down and just count our blessings.===JACK:  Yes, I think that there is a strong need for all of us to calm down.  "Stupid!" is a word that I use when I've made a mistake.  I hope it's not classified as swearing, because I'm using it too much lately.===SP:  well, i have noticed that with age i do not multitask as well as I used to, which seems to cause more mistakes and blunders.===JACK:  While the "pressure" of getting something done on time is gone, the "pressure" of doing something well, remains!===SP:   and it will be so until we reach "the promised land"...   FROM WILLMAR REV:  In Bible college during an argument while playing Rook (regular playing cards were forbidden), one would hear often, "You 'puk'n heifer!" . . . I've always counted that as the comeback for "holy cow"?!?! 0;-) ===JACK:  "Puk'n heifer!"  I can't wait to use it. I laughed out loud when I read your response.  Who can say that AG people don't have a sense of humor?    FROM YOGA GURU:  Good morning - my phrase - oh my Sakes !===JACK:  Does that mean that there times when you get frustrated, too?  I wonder what that's in place of?  I've heard, "Goodness Sakes."===GURU:   Does that mean that there times when you get frustrated, too?  I wonder what that's in place of?  I've heard, "Goodness Sakes."   It is said for both joy, and frustration.  I think it is a familial expression..===JACK:  I've also heard, "Sakes Alive."  I'm going research that...I'm curious...     FROM HOMELESS:  You forgot to mention your favorite...DAMN.===JACK:  My editor eliminated that reference. FROM DR J:  I say “ oh crud”!  Kiki… “Oh Golly!”===JACK:  I like the  sugar-coated rather than the "real" thing.  The F-word is used by "small" mind way too often, as by "you know who."   FROM SHALOM JAN:  Rats! is my go-to, also!  :-)===JACK:  I wonder if there were sugar-coated swear words in Biblical times? FROM MY LAWYER:  Oy vey!!!  That’s a Yiddish expression of exasperation. ===JACK:  While some see it as a Yiddish "swearing" expression, I've read that it simply mean, "Oh, woe!"...hardly swearing. FROM BLAZING OAKS:  FIDDLESTICKS!!! is one of mine, and Good GOLLY, Miss Molly!  (No idea where that originated) Gosh Darn it!  Oh,Well! That's the way the Cookie Crumbles....Are a few of mine...Charlie Brown was originated the Month and Year Bill and I were married! I didn't realize that! :-) ===JACK:  So....your mom never had to wash your mouth out with soap...?  How about your twin?  ...and certainly not, Bill.===OAKS:  She did once or  twice do that, now that you brought it to mind!  Can't remember what was said!  Something we'd heard and repeated, no doubt from older neighbor kids! :-) ===JACK: So...You weren't always Miss Perfect...  That's OK, you probably were normal. FROM SR IN SJ:  Thanks for the added info, Jack.  I think I'll change from "Oh, darn" to "Oh Rats!" 😂===JACK:  I think that niceness is associated more with nuns than with priests (pastors).  Am I right? FROM AA IN MI ^ FL:  "DIRTY RUCKAFLUSS" - SNAGLEPUSS CARTOON CHARACTER  SOMETIMES "DRAT" , "DARN IT" OR "DANG IT"===JACK:  Do Jewish people ever swear?