rat
word
Definition
A rat is a small animal with a long tail, similar to a mouse but usually larger. Informally, it can also mean a person who betrays others or tells secrets to get someone in trouble.
Usage & Nuances
For the animal, 'rat' is neutral and common. For a person, it is strongly negative and informal: a 'rat' is someone who betrays the group or 'rats on' someone. Common phrases: 'smell a rat' (suspect something is wrong), 'lab rat' (animal used in experiments, or informally a person in tests), and 'rat on someone' (inform on them).
Example Sentences
There is a rat in the kitchen.
basic
The farmer set a trap for the rat.
basic
He called his old friend a rat.
basic
I smelled a rat when he changed his story again.
natural
Someone ratted on us, and the teacher found out everything.
natural
I think our boss is a rat for sharing our private messages.
natural