Rat: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'rat' mainly when referring to larger rodents, usually found in urban areas, sometimes with a negative connotation, as they are often associated with dirt and disease.

• There are rats in the alley behind the restaurant.
• He felt betrayed and called his friend a rat.

The term 'rodent' is more scientific and general, encompassing a large group of small mammals, including rats and mice. It's used in broader or more formal contexts.

• Rodents can be a problem for farmers.
• The scientist studied the eating habits of various rodents.

Use 'mouse' for smaller rodents, commonly found in houses and fields. It is often used in a neutral or even somewhat endearing way.

• We found a mouse in the kitchen.
• The children's book featured a brave little mouse.

Use 'vermin' to refer to various unwanted small animals, including rats and mice, that are considered pests. This word carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting that the animals are dirty and harmful.

• The old house was infested with vermin.
• He called the cockroaches and rats vermin, showing his disgust.

Often used in a negative way to describe someone who betrays others by giving away secrets or information, especially to authorities.

• He was labeled a rat after he told the police about their plans.
• Nobody wants to work with a rat who can't keep things confidential.

Has a strong negative connotation, referring to someone who betrays their country, group, or a close relationship.

• During the war, he was seen as a traitor for helping the enemy.
• She felt like a traitor when she shared her best friend's secret.

Has a negative connotation, used to describe someone who informs on others, typically out of self-interest or for a reward.

• Nobody likes a snitch, especially among friends.
• He snitched on his coworkers to get a lighter sentence.

More neutral or professional term, usually referring to someone who provides information to authorities, often used in legal or criminal contexts.

• The police relied on the informant to gather crucial information about the criminal organization.
• As an informant, she provided valuable data that helped solve the case.

Use this when referring to someone who betrays others or acts deceitfully. It is often used to describe someone who informs on others to authorities.

• He ratted on his friends to save himself
• She's a rat for selling us out

This word is used in a somewhat old-fashioned or literary context to describe someone who is dishonest or unscrupulous. It often has a slightly less severe connotation than 'lowlife' or 'scumbag'.

• The scoundrel tricked everyone at the fair
• He's known as a charming scoundrel

Use this word for someone who is extremely unpleasant or despicable. It has a very strong negative connotation and is quite vulgar.

• He's a scumbag for treating her like that
• Only a real scumbag would do something so horrible

This term is used to describe someone of low moral character or social status. It's generally used in a broader sense to imply that someone is a morally corrupt person.

• He's a lowlife who spends his days cheating and stealing
• Only a lowlife would treat someone that way