"Shucks!," only stronger

DAMN

This exclamation might follow dropping something heavy on your foot or hearing frustrating news—it’s a four-letter word that’s milder than its close cousin starting with "f."

This clue plays on the idea of "Shucks!" as a mild exclamation of frustration or disappointment. The phrase "only stronger" hints at a more intense version of that sentiment, which is where "DAMN" fits—it’s a stronger, more emphatic curse word. The wordplay relies on the contrast between a lighthearted expression and its harsher counterpart, making the answer a natural escalation. It’s a straightforward example of how crossword clues often use intensity or tone to guide the solver.