ratton
Very Low / ArchaicDialectal / Archaic / Literary
Definition
Meaning
A dialectal or archaic term for a rat.
Historically used to refer to a rat, especially a large or contemptible one; also appears in some regional dialects and older texts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is now largely obsolete in standard English, surviving primarily in certain regional dialects (e.g., Scots and Northern English) and historical contexts. It often carries a more pejorative or rustic connotation than the standard 'rat'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'ratton' is found in Scots and some Northern English dialects. In American English, the word is virtually unknown and would be considered entirely archaic or dialectal.
Connotations
In British regional use, it may imply a scruffy, troublesome, or large rat. In general contexts, it sounds old-fashioned or rustic.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage in both varieties, but has slightly more recognition in the UK due to its presence in Scots literature and dialect.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[det] ratton[adj] rattonVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or dialectological studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in standard everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He threatened to ratton the barn if the infestation grew.
American English
- (Not used as a verb in AmE)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- (Not typically used as an adjective)
American English
- (Not used)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too rare for A2 level)
- (Too rare for B1 level)
- In the old tale, a giant ratton lived under the bridge.
- The dialect poem mentioned a 'ratton' instead of a rat.
- The 16th-century text used 'ratton' where we would now use 'rat'.
- Linguists note that 'ratton' persists in isolated Scots dialects.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RAT in a TON of hay – a 'rat-ton' is just an old word for a rat.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTEMPTIBLE PERSON IS A RATTON (archaic).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'raccoon' (енот). It is simply an archaic synonym for 'rat' (крыса).
Common Mistakes
- Using it in modern standard writing; misspelling as 'raton'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'ratton' today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or dialectal. The standard modern word is 'rat'.
It survives primarily in Scots and some Northern English dialects, and appears in historical texts.
No, unless you are specifically quoting historical material or discussing dialects.
It comes from Middle English 'raton', from Old French 'raton', a diminutive of 'rat'.