rato
B1Informal, neutral in biological contexts; derogatory when applied to people.
Definition
Meaning
A medium-sized, long-tailed rodent, typically seen as a pest.
A person regarded as contemptible, disloyal, or deceitful.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The animal sense is neutral. The pejorative human sense is common in informal speech, implying betrayal or low character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word identically in its core and extended meanings. 'Rat' as a verb (to betray/desert) is slightly more common in AmE.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotations in both varieties when referring to people.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
rat on somebody (to betray)rat somebody out (AmE, to inform on)verb + rat: catch/kill/see a ratVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “smell a rat (suspect deception)”
- “like a drowned rat (soaking wet)”
- “rat race (competitive struggle)”
- “pack rat (hoarder)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphor for cut-throat competition: 'the corporate rat race'.
Academic
Neutral in biology/zoology; lab rat as a model organism.
Everyday
Common for the animal; strong insult for a disloyal person.
Technical
Specific species names (Rattus norvegicus).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He ratted on his partners to avoid prison.
- You wouldn't rat on a mate, would you?
American English
- She ratted him out to the principal.
- He ratted on the deal at the last minute.
adjective
British English
- He had a rat-like cunning about him.
- They live in a rat-infested building.
American English
- That was a rat move, leaving us like that.
- They cleared the rat-infested alley.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a big rat in the garden.
- Cats catch rats.
- He felt like a rat in a trap.
- There's a rat in the cellar.
- She began to smell a rat when the promises kept changing.
- He was accused of being a corporate rat, stealing client lists.
- Refusing to rat on his colleagues, he chose to face the consequences alone.
- The relentless rat race of city life eventually took its toll on her health.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RAT in a hat - it's a sneaky character who might steal your hat and run.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY/ BETRAYAL IS VERMIN; A DISLOYAL PERSON IS A RAT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'крыса' (krýsa) - direct translation works for the animal, but the human insult 'крыса' is stronger/more vulgar in Russian. The verb 'to rat on' requires a phrase like 'донести на (donesti na)' or 'предать (predat')'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'mouse' and 'rat' interchangeably (rats are larger).
- Incorrect preposition: 'He ratted his friend' (needs 'on': 'He ratted on his friend').
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'smell a rat' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a strong insult implying disloyalty, betrayal, or contemptible behaviour.
Rats are typically larger with thicker bodies and proportionally longer, scalier tails. In language, 'rat' carries a stronger negative connotation for people.
Yes, 'to rat on someone' means to inform on or betray them, especially to an authority.
Literally, a rat used in laboratory experiments. Figuratively, it can refer to a person who is subjected to a lot of testing or tedious routine work.