interjection
Common
rats
rats
Rats (interjection) means a mild exclamation of annoyance or disappointment. Example: “Rats, the shop has just closed and I needed milk!”
interjection
1
A mild exclamation of annoyance or disappointment.
"Rats, the shop has just closed and I needed milk!"
"Rats! I have missed the last bus home again."
""Rats! I forgot my umbrella again.""
2
An exclamation expressing disbelief, similar to "no way."
"Rats, you can't possibly have finished the whole book in one night."
"Oh rats, I don't believe a word of that story!"
""Rats, I don't believe you actually won the lottery.""
How to use rats
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned, mild swear-word substitute — like saying "darn" instead of something stronger.
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_____, the shop has just closed and I needed milk!
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Rhymes for rats
See all rhymes for rats →Frequently asked questions
What does “rats” mean?
The word “rats” means a mild exclamation of annoyance or disappointment. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, mild swear-word substitute — like saying "darn" instead of something stronger.
How do you pronounce “rats”?
“Rats” is pronounced rats (/ɹæts/ in IPA).
How do you use “rats” in a sentence?
Here is “rats” used in a sentence: “"Rats! I forgot my umbrella again.".”
What part of speech is “rats”?
“Rats” is an interjection.
Is “rats” a common word?
“Rats” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “rats” have?
“Rats” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mild exclamation of annoyance or disappointment.
Is rats a swear word?
No. Rats is a mild, family-friendly exclamation of annoyance or disappointment, often used exactly where a stronger word might otherwise slip out. It is acceptable in polite company and around children.
What is the difference between saying "rats" and "darn"?
Both are mild exclamations of annoyance or disappointment, and in most situations they are interchangeable. Darn began as a softened substitute for a stronger oath, while rats leans slightly more toward frustrated disappointment — "Rats! I missed the bus."
Is the exclamation rats old-fashioned?
Rats has a slightly old-fashioned, cartoonish flavor, but it is still widely understood and used, precisely because it is safe in any company. In older use, rats could also express disbelief, roughly like saying "no way" or "nonsense".
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