The word "rotter" is spelled with the letters R-O-T-T-E-R. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈrɑːtər/. The first sound is an unvoiced "r" sound followed by "ahh" sound. The second syllable begins with a soft "t" sound, followed by an "uh" sound and ends with a soft "r" sound. The word "rotter" is often used as a derogatory term to describe a dishonest or immoral person.
Rotter, as a noun, refers to an individual who is deemed to be morally reprehensible or despicable. It is primarily a derogatory term used to describe someone who engages in deceitful, dishonest, or unethical behavior, displaying a lack of integrity and moral principles. The word can often be employed to express strong disapproval or contempt towards an individual's character or actions.
The label "rotter" is often associated with someone who consistently engages in immoral or wicked conduct, displaying a general disregard for the well-being and feelings of others. Typical traits or actions attributed to a rotter include dishonesty, the betrayal of trust, manipulation, and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others.
The origins of this term can be traced back to the early 19th century, with its usage evolving over time to predominantly focus on the negative character and behavior of an individual. The term has retained its derogatory nature and is frequently employed in informal contexts to pass judgment on the morality or integrity of someone, often used interchangeably with other derogatory terms such as scoundrel, cad, or rascal.
In summary, a "rotter" describes an individual who exhibits immoral, dishonest, and deceitful behavior, and whose actions or character are regarded as contemptible or despicable.
The word "rotter" is derived from the Middle English word "roter", which originally meant a broken or decayed object, often referring to something worthless or useless. It is believed to have originated from Old Norse roots "hróðr" meaning "spoiled", "rotten", or "decayed". Over time, the term "rotter" began to be used to describe people who were considered unpleasant, dishonest, or immoral, thereby associating them with something decayed or rotten.