rat

• Sustantivo que designa a un roedor de cola larga, de mayor tamaño que un ratón, o a una persona considerada despreciable, traicionera o delatora.

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.

   Rata

   • 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.

   Esquirol

   • 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.

   Sinónimosblacklegfinkscabstrikebreaker

   Antónimosstriker

3. Despicable PersonB2informal

   A person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible.

   persona despreciable

   • 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.

   Sinónimosbeastcadcreepheelrascalroguescoundrelsnakeswinevillainweaselwretch

   Antónimosdarlingheroparagonsaint

4. InformerB2informal

   One who reveals confidential information in return for money.

   soplón

   • 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.

   Sinónimoscanaryfinkinformantinformernarcsnitchsquealerstool pigeonstoolie

5. Hair PadC2formal

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

   Relleno de pelo para peinado

   • 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.

   Sinónimoscushionpadpuff

• Verbo que significa delatar a alguien o traicionar a una persona o grupo, a menudo ante las autoridades.

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.

   Delatar, traicionar

   • 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.

   Sinónimosbetraydouble crossgrasspeachsnitchsquealstooltattletell on

2. Work as a strikebreakerC1informalbritish

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

   Esquirolar

   • 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.

   Sinónimosblacklegscab

3. Style hairC1informalamerican

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

   cardar el pelo

   • 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.

   cazar ratas

   • 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.