curse of Scotland

(UK, mildly, vulgar) expression of annoyance.

A card players' slang term for the four of clubs — one of the unlucky cards in traditional British superstition and card-game folklore. The name implies something sinister or ill-omened about this particular card, though the exact origin of the superstition is unclear. Used among card players in Britain.

A mild British expletive of annoyance or frustration — the kind of thing you mutter when something goes wrong but you're keeping it relatively clean. It's a softer, more restrained alternative to stronger swear words, conveying exasperation without full-on profanity. Think of it as the British equivalent of 'dammit' but dialed back a notch. Useful when you stub your toe in polite company or when something minor but irritating goes sideways.

(card games, slang) The queen of spades.

(Ireland, slang, obsolete, card games) The ace of diamonds.