ratter
LowSpecialized/Informal
Definition
Meaning
A dog or cat (or sometimes a person) that hunts and kills rats.
A person who informs on, betrays, or abandons their associates, especially for personal gain or to join a rival group (slang, derived from 'rat' as a verb).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning refers to a specific working animal. The slang meaning is pejorative and is often used in contexts of betrayal, espionage, or competitive environments like business or politics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are understood in both dialects. The literal meaning might be slightly more familiar in historical/regional UK contexts. The slang meaning is equally used in both.
Connotations
Neutral/positive for the animal (a skilled worker). Highly negative for a person (traitorous, opportunistic).
Frequency
The term is infrequent in modern general use. Its usage is mostly confined to historical descriptions, specific dog/cat breeds, or figurative slang.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun] is a ratter.[Noun] turned ratter.accuse [Person] of being a ratter.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn ratter”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Figuratively used for an employee who leaves with trade secrets for a competitor.
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical or zoological texts discussing working animals.
Everyday
Uncommon. Most likely used by owners describing a pet's hunting ability.
Technical
Used in dog/cat breeding and showing to describe a breed's historical function.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The Jack Russell is a famously tenacious ratter.
- After he gave evidence against his old gang, they called him a ratter.
American English
- We need a good ratter for the barn.
- In the corporate world, a ratter who jumps ship with client lists is despised.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My cat is a good ratter.
- Some small dog breeds were originally bred as ratters.
- The historical role of a ratter was crucial for controlling disease in cities.
- The whistleblower was branded a ratter by his former colleagues, though the public saw him as a hero.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'ratter' as a 'rat + er' – something or someone that deals with rats, either literally by catching them or figuratively by acting like one (betraying).
Conceptual Metaphor
A DISLOYAL PERSON IS A VERMIN-HUNTING ANIMAL (the hunter takes on the negative qualities of the prey).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'крыса' (rat) alone. 'Ratter' is the agent/doer. A direct translation like 'крысолов' exists but is highly literal. For the slang meaning, terms like 'предатель', 'перебежчик', or 'стукач' are more appropriate.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'rater' (one who rates) instead of 'ratter'.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'rat' (the animal).
- Overusing the slang meaning in formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'ratter' MOST likely to be used neutrally or positively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. Its use is specialized (for working animals) or informal/slang (for a betrayer).
No. While the primary meaning refers to a rat-hunting animal, it is commonly used as a slang term for a person who betrays or informs on others.
A 'rat' is the rodent or a disloyal person. A 'ratter' is something/someone that *deals with* rats—either by catching them (animal) or by acting like one (person).
Yes, when applied to a person, it is a strong pejorative term implying treachery and self-interest.