RAT Meaning and
Definition
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Rat is a noun with multiple meanings and is primarily used to refer to a small, omnivorous mammal belonging to the genus Rattus, particularly the species Rattus norvegicus or Rattus rattus. These animals are known for their long tails, pointed snouts, and sharp incisor teeth, which they use to gnaw on various objects. Rats are typically associated with negative connotations due to their ability to cause damage, carry diseases, and infest human settlements.
Furthermore, "rat" can also be employed metaphorically to describe a person who is deceitful, treacherous, or untrustworthy. This usage originates from the perception of rats as cunning animals that are often associated with betrayal or sneaky behavior. For example, someone who reveals secrets or appears disloyal to their friends may be referred to as a "rat" in colloquial language.
Additionally, the term "rat" can be used as a verb, meaning to betray or inform on someone, especially to authorities or a higher power. This verb form indicates the act of exposing one's associates or revealing confidential information, often done to gain personal benefit or avoid punishment.
Overall, "rat" serves both as a biological term referring to a specific type of mammal and as a metaphorical term characterizing individuals or actions associated with deception, betrayal, or informality.
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• An animal of the mouse kind, but much larger and more voracious, which infests the lower floors of houses, ships, &c.; one who deserts his party; one who works at less than the established prices.
• To work under the established prices-a term in use among printers; to forsake one's party for the sake of gain or power.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for RAT
Etymology of RAT
The word "rat" is derived from the Middle English word "ratte", which can be traced back to Old English "rætta" and Old Norse "rǫt". Both of these words have Germanic origins. The original Proto-Germanic root is believed to be "rattō". This root is also found in other Germanic languages such as Dutch "rat" and German "Ratte".
Idioms with the word RAT
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rug rat
The idiom "rug rat" is a colloquial term that refers to a small child or toddler, especially one who is active, energetic, or mischievous. The term is often used affectionately or humorously to describe young children.
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rat out
The idiom "rat out" means to betray or disclose someone's secret or wrongdoing to the authorities or an authority figure.
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a rat fink
The idiom "a rat fink" refers to a person who is deceitful, treacherous, or disloyal. It is typically used to describe someone who betrays others for personal gain or acts in a sneaky and untrustworthy manner.
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a rat race
The idiom "a rat race" refers to a competitive and busy lifestyle in which people engage in relentless and meaningless pursuits, often leading to exhaustion, stress, and a lack of fulfillment. It implies a sense of being trapped in a never-ending cycle where individuals continuously strive to achieve success, often at the expense of their personal well-being and happiness.
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smell a rat
The idiom "smell a rat" refers to the act of suspecting that something is wrong or dishonest. It implies a sense of perceived deception or an intuitive feeling of suspicion towards a situation or a person.
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like a drowned rat
The idiom "like a drowned rat" is used to describe someone who is wet and disheveled, typically as a result of being outside in heavy rain or water. It implies that the person looks thoroughly soaked, with their hair clinging to their head and their clothes sticking to their body, resembling the appearance of a rat that has been submerged in water.
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love rat
The idiom "love rat" refers to a person who is disloyal or unfaithful in their romantic relationships. It is often used to describe someone who habitually cheats or deceives their partner by engaging in affairs or other infidelities.
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a pack rat
The idiom "a pack rat" refers to a person who has a tendency to collect and accumulate, often hoarding unnecessary or excessive amounts of items and reluctant to discard things, even if they are no longer needed or have no value. It is used to describe someone who has difficulty letting go of possessions and has a strong attachment to material things.
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rat race
The idiom "rat race" refers to a competitive and exhausting struggle or routine in which individuals engage in a relentless pursuit of success, wealth, or power, often with little fulfillment or satisfaction. It symbolizes the monotonous and cutthroat nature of modern life, where people are trapped in a never-ending cycle of work, competition, and societal pressures.
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like a rat up a drainpipe
The idiom "like a rat up a drainpipe" is used to describe someone who moves or acts quickly, often in a stealthy or hurried manner. It implies a sense of agility, nimbleness, and the ability to swiftly navigate through challenging situations or environments.
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look like a drowned rat
The idiom "look like a drowned rat" is used to describe someone who appears extremely wet, disheveled, and bedraggled, much like a rat that has been soaked in water. It implies that the person's appearance is unpleasant or unkempt.
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rat around
The idiom "rat around" refers to the act of searching or rummaging through something in a thorough and often disorganized manner. It implies an intense and persistent search, often in a hurried or anxious manner.
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rat on sm
The idiom "rat on someone" means to betray or inform on someone, usually by disclosing their secrets or illegal activities to authorities or others who would disapprove. It implies breaking trust or loyalty and often involves reporting someone's wrongdoings or misconduct to get them into trouble.
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hood rat
"Hood rat" is an offensive and derogatory term typically used to describe someone, often a young person, who is associated with or belongs to a low-income neighborhood or "hood." It is often used to stereotype individuals who are perceived to engage in reckless behavior, criminal activities, or promiscuity.
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rat fink
The idiom "rat fink" refers to a person who is deceitful, disloyal, or treacherous. It is often used to describe someone who betrays or informs on others, typically for personal gain or to avoid trouble.
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rat-arsed
"Rat-arsed" is an informal British slang term that means extremely drunk or intoxicated.
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frat-rat
A "frat-rat" is a slang term used to describe a member of a fraternity who is typically known for his overly social, party-loving, and somewhat irresponsible behavior.
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not give a rat's ass
To not care at all about something or someone; to be completely indifferent.
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not give a rat's arse (about something)
To not care at all about something; to have no interest or concern in a particular matter.
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not give a rat's ass for/about (something or someone)
The idiom "not give a rat's ass for/about (something or someone)" means to not care at all about something or someone, to have no interest or concern.
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give a rat's arse
The idiom "give a rat's arse" is a colloquial expression used to convey that someone does not care at all about something, is not interested in it, or does not find it important. It is often used to demonstrate a lack of concern or indifference towards a particular issue or situation.
Similar spelling words for RAT
- riyadh,
- ruta,
- rowdy,
- Rode,
- writ,
- Rowed,
- ruddy,
- Rody,
- rote,
- ready,
- rat-tat,
- Rooty,
- rout,
- Rediae,
- retie,
- Rewet,
- ratty,
- rheidae,
- read,
- ratio,
- rut,
- red-eye,
- Rideau,
- redeye,
- Rade,
- Redde,
- Rued,
- Wried,
- wright,
- roadway,
- rawhide,
- Rette,
- rate,
- Roody,
- rudd,
- Rath,
- RADA,
- Redowa,
- rota,
- reit,
- write,
- Rayed,
- hrt,
- reata,
- Roddy,
- rad,
- Rotta,
- Radii,
- Radeau,
- hot-rod,
- riata,
- reed,
- Rata,
- rutty,
- Roed,
- route,
- Rud,
- Redia,
- reedy,
- rodeo,
- Rawhead,
- rite,
- Rowett,
- rid,
- radio,
- raid,
- Ruttier,
- rot,
- ride,
- raita,
- redo,
- root,
- Ryot,
- Rede,
- rood,
- ret,
- rady,
- Rouet,
- Wrote,
- Roty,
- raitt,
- RADO,
- Radde,
- red,
- rete,
- reid,
- riot,
- right,
- Wroot,
- rod,
- road,
- rude,
- ratti.
Conjugate verb Rat
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have ratted
you
would have ratted
he/she/it
would have ratted
we
would have ratted
they
would have ratted
I
would have rat
you
would have rat
he/she/it
would have rat
we
would have rat
they
would have rat
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been ratting
you
would have been ratting
he/she/it
would have been ratting
we
would have been ratting
they
would have been ratting
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would rat
you
would rat
he/she/it
would rat
we
would rat
they
would rat
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be ratting
you
would be ratting
he/she/it
would be ratting
we
would be ratting
they
would be ratting
FUTURE
I
will rat
you
will rat
he/she/it
will rat
we
will rat
they
will rat
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be ratting
you
will be ratting
he/she/it
will be ratting
we
will be ratting
they
will be ratting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have ratted
you
will have ratted
he/she/it
will have ratted
we
will have ratted
they
will have ratted
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been ratting
you
will have been ratting
he/she/it
will have been ratting
we
will have been ratting
they
will have been ratting
IMPERATIVE
you
rat
we
let´s rat
to rat
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was ratting
you
were ratting
he/she/it
was ratting
we
were ratting
they
were ratting
PAST PARTICIPLE
ratted
PAST PERFECT
I
had ratted
you
had ratted
he/she/it
had ratted
we
had ratted
they
had ratted
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been ratting
you
had been ratting
he/she/it
had been ratting
we
had been ratting
they
had been ratting
PRESENT
I
rat
you
rat
he/she/it
rats
we
rat
they
rat
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am ratting
you
are ratting
he/she/it
is ratting
we
are ratting
they
are ratting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
ratting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have ratted
you
have ratted
he/she/it
has ratted
we
have ratted
they
have ratted
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been ratting
you
have been ratting
he/she/it
has been ratting
we
have been ratting
they
have been ratting
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
rat
SIMPLE PAST
I
ratted
you
ratted
he/she/it
ratted
we
ratted
they
ratted
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