rat

• Substantiv, das ein langschwänziges Nagetier bezeichnet, das größer als eine Maus ist, oder einen Menschen, der als gemein, verachtenswert oder als Denunziant gilt.

A noun referring to a long-tailed rodent larger than a mouse, or a person considered despicable, contemptible, or an informer.

1. A2formal

   Any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse.

   Ratte

   • A large rat scurried across the basement floor.
   • Rats are known to carry various diseases.
   • The city hired an exterminator to deal with the rat infestation.

2. StrikebreakerC1informal

   Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

   Streikbrecher

   • The union members called the new hires rats for crossing the picket line.
   • The company brought in rats to keep the factory running during the strike.
   • He was labeled a rat by his former colleagues for working during the labor dispute.

   Synonymeblacklegfinkscabstrikebreaker

   Antonymestriker

3. Despicable PersonB2informal

   A person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible.

   Verachtenswerter Mensch

   • That rat stole money from his own grandmother.
   • He's a dirty rat for cheating on his business partner.
   • Only a rat would treat their friends so poorly.

   Synonymebeastcadcreepheelrascalroguescoundrelsnakeswinevillainweaselwretch

   Antonymedarlingheroparagonsaint

4. InformerB2informal

   One who reveals confidential information in return for money.

   Informant

   • The gang suspected there was a rat in their organization.
   • He became a rat for the police to avoid a long prison sentence.
   • The informant was known as a rat among the criminals.

   Synonymecanaryfinkinformantinformernarcsnitchsquealerstool pigeonstoolie

5. Hair PadC2formal

   A pad (usually made of hair) worn as part of a woman's coiffure.

   Haarwulst

   • In the 18th century, women often used a rat to add volume to their hairstyles.
   • She placed a rat under her hair to create an elaborate updo.
   • The vintage hair tutorial showed how to use a rat for a bouffant style.

   Synonymecushionpadpuff

• Verb, das bedeutet, jemanden zu verraten oder bei einer Autorität anzuschwärzen, oft heimlich.

A verb meaning to inform on someone or betray a person or group, often to authorities.

1. Betray or inform onB2informal

   To betray one's group or associates, often for personal gain, or to inform authorities about someone's activities.

   verraten oder denunzieren

   • He ratted on his friends to save himself from punishment.
   • She ratted out her colleagues to the boss.
   • Don't rat on us; we trusted you.

   Synonymebetraydouble crossgrasspeachsnitchsquealstooltattletell on

2. Work as a strikebreakerC1informalbritish

   To take the place of a worker who is on strike, or to employ strikebreakers.

   Streikbrecher sein

   • The company ratted the strike by hiring temporary workers.
   • He was accused of ratting on his union by crossing the picket line.
   • They ratted the factory to keep production going.

   Synonymeblacklegscab

3. Style hairC1informalamerican

   To give hair a fuller appearance by using a rat (a pad of hair or synthetic material).

   Haare aufplustern

   • She ratted her hair to create a voluminous updo.
   • In the 1960s, women often ratted their hair for bouffant styles.
   • He ratted his wig to make it look more natural.

4. B2formal

   To catch or hunt rats, typically using dogs.

   Ratten jagen

   • The terrier was trained to rat in the barn.
   • They spent the afternoon ratting in the old warehouse.
   • Ratting with dogs is a traditional pest control method.