Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Infested with or resembling rats: Characteristic of, or full of, rats.
   • In poor condition; shabby and worn-out: Showing signs of wear, tear, or neglect; tatty.

Usage

The adjective "ratty" describes something that is either literally connected to rats or, more commonly, something in a state of disrepair. It carries a negative connotation of dirtiness, neglect, or poor quality.

Examples

• Literal (resembling/infested with rats):
  • The abandoned building had a ratty smell.
  • They avoided the ratty corners of the cellar.
• Figurative (shabby, worn-out):
  • He wore a ratty old sweater with holes in the elbows.
  • The ratty armchair was falling apart but too comfortable to throw away.

Advanced Usage

• "to feel/look ratty": To feel or appear irritable, unwell, or untidy.
  • After the long flight, I felt tired and ratty.
  • Don't be so ratty with me; I'm just trying to help.

Variants and Related Words

• Rat (n): The rodent.
• Rattily (adv): In a ratty manner.
• Rattiness (n): The state or quality of being ratty.

Synonyms

• Shabby: In poor condition through long use or lack of care.
• Tatty: Worn and shabby; in poor condition.
• Threadbare: (Of fabric or clothes) thin and tattered with age.
• Dilapidated: (Of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin.

Antonyms

• Pristine: In its original condition; unspoiled.
• Immaculate: Perfectly clean, neat, or tidy.
• New: Not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time.

Related Phrases/Idioms

(Note: "Ratty" itself is not commonly used in fixed idioms. Its use is primarily descriptive.)

Adjective

1. dirty and infested with rats
2. showing signs of wear and tear
   • a ratty old overcoat
   • shabby furniture
   • an old house with dirty windows and tatty curtains
3. of or characteristic of rats