Angry exclamation used by sailor folk (9)
I believe the answer is:
tarnation
'angry exclamation' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'by sailor folk' is the wordplay.
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'sailor' becomes 'tar' (slang term for a sailor).
'folk' becomes 'nation' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'tar'+'nation' is 'TARNATION'.
'used' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
Install my app