fat mouse
C1 (Low frequency; common in literal descriptions, rare in metaphorical use)Neutral to Informal; metaphorical use is colloquial.
Definition
Meaning
A physically overweight rodent of the genus Mus.
Often used metaphorically or humorously to describe someone or something small and portly; in computing, can refer to an older, larger-style computer mouse or a device with numerous buttons.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun phrase, the primary stress falls on 'mouse'. The adjective 'fat' is descriptive and can carry negative connotations of excess or unhealthiness when applied literally to animals or people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use the compound literally and metaphorically.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both dialects. May be perceived as slightly childish or humorous when used metaphorically.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. The metaphorical use might be slightly more common in informal American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Determiner] + fat mouse + [Verb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly for this phrase]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused. Potentially in informal tech discussions referring to outdated hardware.
Academic
Used literally in biological, veterinary, or psychological research contexts (e.g., 'the study used a diet-induced fat mouse model').
Everyday
Used literally to describe a rodent, or humorously/metaphorically to describe a person or pet.
Technical
In biology/medicine: a rodent model for obesity studies. In computing: slang for an early, bulky computer mouse.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Look! A fat mouse is in the garden.
- The cat did not catch the fat mouse.
- We have a fat mouse living under our shed.
- My old computer came with a fat mouse and a heavy keyboard.
- The laboratory is studying the metabolism of the fat mouse model.
- He waddled into the room like a cheerful fat mouse after Christmas dinner.
- The phenotypic expression in the fat mouse cohort significantly differed from the control group.
- The antiquated workstation, complete with a beige box monitor and a fat mouse, was a museum piece.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cartoon mouse trying to fit through a small hole in the skirting board but getting stuck because it's too FAT.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALL ANIMAL IS A PERSON (when used humorously about a person); OLD TECHNOLOGY IS LARGE/CLUMSY (when referring to a computer mouse).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing the structure as 'жирная мышь' for metaphorical uses, as it sounds unnatural. Use 'толстая мышка' for a literal or affectionate description, or 'мышка-толстушка'. For computing, 'старая большая мышь' is clearer than a direct translation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fat mouse' to describe a rat (a different, typically larger rodent). Incorrect stress pattern: stressing 'fat' instead of 'mouse'. Using in overly formal contexts where 'obese rodent' would be more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'fat mouse' MOST likely to be used technically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a descriptive noun phrase. 'Fat' is an adjective modifying the noun 'mouse'.
Yes, but only informally and often humorously or affectionately, implying they are small and round. It can be rude if not used in a clearly friendly context.
A 'thin mouse' or 'skinny mouse'. In a scientific context, it might be a 'lean mouse'.
Yes. 'Fat' specifically refers to body condition (excess flesh), while 'big' can refer to overall size, including bone structure and length, without implying obesity.