What does the slang word rat mean?

What does the slang word rat mean?

Rats are often associated with filth and disease. So, if someone calls you a rat, it’s not like being called a fox. It’s an insult. These negative traits have led to the informal meaning of rat, “hateful person,” “liar,” or “double-crosser.” You can also use rat as a verb to mean “betray or snitch on.”

Where did the expression rats come from?

Drat is first used in the early 19th century as shortening of od rat, which was an euphemism for God rot. Rats seems a shortening of od rat obtained by removing od, and used as plural to make it seems the plural of rat (the rodent).

Is rat a bad word?

In many parts of the world the word rats is used as a mild swearword or expletive. Drat has been adapted to rats. This definition comes from the new Oxford American dictionary. Another reason that the name of the rat is used as an expletive is because rats have a strong negative association with disease and dirt.

Why are snitches called rats?

Before calling someone a “rat” meant calling them an informant, it signified a drunkard, a cheating husband, or a pirate. Around the time that rat could first be employed in place of tattletale, it was also used by unions, especially in the U.S. printing industry, to describe those who refused to strike with the union.

What is a slang word for snitch?

Rat, Fink, Pigeon, Cat—One who tells on his fellow convicts.

Why is rat a bad word?

‘Drat’ was first used early in the 19th century. It was a shortening of ‘od rat’ which was a euphemism meaning God rot. Another reason that the name of the rat is used as an expletive is because rats have a strong negative association with disease and dirt. This may have started with 19th century urbanisation.

What do you call someone who squeals on you?

Definition – one who snitches; a tattletale.

What is the difference between a snitch and an informant?

As nouns the difference between snitch and informant is that snitch is a thief while informant is one who relays confidential information to someone, especially to the police; an informer.

What do cops call their informants?

confidential human source
The term is usually used within the law enforcement world, where they are officially known as confidential human source (CHS), or criminal informants (CI).

What is snitch in slang?

The definition of a snitch is slang for a tattletale. An example of a snitch is a child who always tells when her friends do something wrong. Snitch is slang and is defined as to steal or tattle.