What Does Being on the Rag Mean?

The phrase “on the rag” is a slang term for menstruation. 1 This phrase likely originated sometime during the late 19th century. When a woman was menstruating, she was “on the rag” or “riding the rag,” phrases that literally described the way most women up until then managed their menstruation.

Where does being on the rag come from?

As an insulting term for "newspaper, magazine" it dates from 1734; slang for "tampon, sanitary napkin" is attested from 1930s (on the rag "menstruating" is from 1948).

How did ladies deal with periods in the 1800s?

The 1800s: The First Disposable Napkin

On its website, the Museum of Menstruation says that these women either made their own menstrual pads, bought washable pads, or opted to have their clothes absorb the blood. Remember: women had far fewer periods.