rat-face

Definition

Noun: - A person regarded as cunning, treacherous, or dangerous: In informal American slang, "rat-face" refers to an individual who is perceived as deceitful, sly, or untrustworthy, often with a malicious intent. The term derives from the negative connotations associated with rats (e.g., sneaky, disease-ridden, or harmful).

Usage Examples
  • (A person considered cunning and dangerous.)
  • (Someone accused of being deceitful and treacherous.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to have a rat-face": to possess facial features resembling those of a rat, used metaphorically to imply a sneaky or untrustworthy appearance.

    • The detective noted that the suspect had a rat-face, which made him seem shifty. (The suspect's facial features suggested cunningness.)

  • "rat-faced" (adj): having a face that resembles a rat, often used to describe someone who looks sly or untrustworthy.

    • She gave a rat-faced grin that made everyone uneasy. (A grin suggesting deceitfulness.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Rat-faced (adj): having a face that looks like a rat's, often implying a sharp, narrow, or cunning appearance.

    • The man's rat-faced features made him seem untrustworthy. (His facial shape suggested slyness.)

  • Rat-like (adj): resembling a rat in behavior or appearance.

    • His rat-like movements in the shadows were suspicious. (Sneaky and cautious movements.)
Synonyms
  • Sneak: a person who acts in a secretive or dishonest way.
  • Snake: a treacherous or deceitful person.
  • Weasel: a person who is cunning, sly, or untrustworthy.
  • Crook: a dishonest person, especially a criminal.
Related Idioms

  • Rat out: to inform on or betray someone.

    • He ratted out his partner to the police. (He betrayed his partner by revealing information.)

  • Smell a rat: to suspect that something is wrong or that someone is lying.

    • When he offered me a deal too good to be true, I smelled a rat. (I suspected deception.)
Usage Notes
  • "Rat-face" is a highly informal and derogatory term. It is used primarily in American slang and can be considered offensive due to its association with negative stereotypes about rats (e.g., disease, dishonesty). It is not commonly used in formal speech or writing.