Rugrat: meaning, definitions and examples
👶
rugrat
[ ˈrʌɡˌræt ]
child, informal
The term 'rugrat' is a slang expression used to refer to a small child, often implying a playful or mischievous nature. It conveys an image of a toddler who is crawling around or getting into trouble, usually with a sense of affection or humor. The word reflects a certain familiarity with children and is often used in casual conversations among parents or caregivers. While it is primarily an American slang term, its usage can convey endearment or exasperation depending on context.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The rugrat was running around the playground.
- I can't believe how much energy that little rugrat has!
- We need to keep an eye on the rugrat while his friends are over.
Translations
Translations of the word "rugrat" in other languages:
🇵🇹 criança travessa
🇮🇳 बच्चा
🇩🇪 Zappelphilipp
🇮🇩 anak nakal
🇺🇦 шибеник
🇵🇱 urwis
🇯🇵 やんちゃな子供
🇫🇷 petit diable
🇪🇸 niño travieso
🇹🇷 şımarık çocuk
🇰🇷 장난꾸러기
🇸🇦 طفل شقي
🇨🇿 raubíř
🇸🇰 neposeda
🇨🇳 调皮的孩子
🇸🇮 neubranljiv otrok
🇮🇸 hrekkjusvín
🇰🇿 бұзақы бала
🇬🇪 შურათი ბავშვი
🇦🇿 mischievous uşaq
🇲🇽 niño travieso
Etymology
The term 'rugrat' is a humorous and colloquial term for a small child. Its origin can be traced to a combination of the words 'rug' and 'rat'. 'Rug' refers to the commonly used carpets or rugs that cover floors, which is where many children often crawl around during their early years. The term 'rat', in this context, suggests a playful and perhaps slightly mischievous character associated with children, akin to the way young rodents are perceived as being energetic and inquisitive. The usage of 'rugrat' began to gain popularity in American English in the late 20th century, particularly in informal settings among parents discussing their children. Its humorous sound and visualization of children crawling around has helped it endure in casual speech into the 21st century, becoming a recognizable term in pop culture, including television shows like 'Rugrats', which further solidified its place in contemporary language.