π
Rat
ræt
Definitions
1
Animals Β· Mammals
Common
Represents a rat, a small rodent with a pointed snout and long tail. Used to reference actual rats, rodents generally, or as a metaphor for unpleasant or sneaky behavior.
Often used negatively in Western contexts but can be positive in Asian cultures, especially related to the Chinese zodiac.
Just saw a π in the subway station! Screamed so loud everyone stared at me π
Personal message/Twitter
My cousin was born in 2020, Year of the π. He's so clever already!
Family chat
He told the boss about our extended lunch breaks. Total π behavior.
Workplace chat
In Western cultures, often symbolizes disease, betrayal or urban decay. In East Asian cultures, particularly Chinese, represents intelligence, wealth and adaptability.
2
Slang Β· Insult
Common
Used to call someone a snitch, informer, or betrayer. Implies someone who betrays trust or reports others' wrongdoings to authorities.
Considered insulting and accusatory. Common in urban, youth, and prison slang contexts.
Don't trust him, he's a π who'll tell the teacher everything.
School group chat
Can't believe my roommate π me out to the landlord about having a cat.
Personal message
The association between rats and betrayal stems from the phrase 'to rat on someone,' which dates back to early 20th century criminal slang.
Evolution Timeline
2008
Introduced in early emoji sets, primarily representing the animal without strong negative connotations.
Initial emoji standardization efforts
2020
Saw significant usage spike during the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac, with positive associations.
Chinese New Year celebrations globally
2021
Gained popularity in urban slang contexts to represent 'snitching' or betrayal, especially in TikTok and Twitter content.
Spread of urban slang into mainstream social media
Cultural Context
Rats have been associated with disease since the Black Death in 14th century Europe, when rat-borne fleas spread bubonic plague, killing millions and cementing rats' negative image in Western culture.
The term 'rat' as a verb meaning 'to betray' dates to early 1900s, originating from the perception that rats abandon sinking ships, symbolizing disloyalty.
While Western cultures typically view rats negatively, in Chinese culture, the rat is the first zodiac animal, representing intelligence, adaptability, and prosperity.
In India, rats are sacred at the Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan, where thousands of rats are worshipped and protected as reincarnations of storytellers and family members.
Regional Variations
China
Viewed positively as the first animal in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing intelligence, adaptability, and prosperity.
United Kingdom
Often used in rhyming slang contexts ('rat and mouse' = 'spouse') and to reference 'ratting' (hunting rats with dogs).
United States
Strongly associated with urban decay, snitching culture, and the 'rat race' metaphor for competitive corporate life.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: More likely to use literally or in reference to workplace informants. May use in context of pet rats or the 'rat race' metaphor.
Gen_Z: Frequently used to call out snitches or betrayers. Popular in memes about urban rats, especially NYC pizza rats. Common on TikTok and Instagram.
Older: Primarily used literally to represent the animal. May avoid due to negative associations with disease and filth. Less familiar with slang usage.
Millennials: Used both literally for rodents and metaphorically for the 'rat race' of corporate life. Also references lab rats in scientific or academic contexts.
Common Combinations
ππ§
References the classic association between rats and cheese, often used humorously.
Based on cartoons and folklore where rats are attracted to cheese, though biologically inaccurate.
ππ
The 'Rat King' - can reference the folklore phenomenon or someone who's the 'king of rats' (master betrayer).
Dual meaning: mythological rat king phenomenon or slang for someone who controls others through manipulation.
ππ¬
Laboratory rat or scientific experimentation on rats.
References medical research, scientific testing, or lab rats used in experiments.
ππ
Mouse and rat together, often to indicate rodents generally or to compare sizes.
Used to differentiate between similar rodents or suggest an infestation problem.