Definition

1. Noun:
   • A brown rat commonly found in sewers: A sewer rat is a type of rodent, specifically the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), that is often associated with living in and around sewer systems and other underground urban environments.

Usage

• The term "sewer rat" is used literally to describe the specific animal. It is a compound noun where "sewer" specifies the typical habitat of this rat. It is often used to evoke images of filth, disease, or urban decay due to the unsanitary associations of sewers.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The city's sanitation department has a program to control the population of sewer rats.
  • A large sewer rat scurried across the subway tracks.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical/Insulting Use: The term can be used metaphorically as a derogatory insult for a person considered morally corrupt, despicable, or who operates in the shadows of society.
  • The corrupt official was described by the press as a political sewer rat.

Variants and Related Words

• Brown rat (n): The more formal, scientific name for the same species (), also known as the common rat, street rat, or Norway rat.
• Sewer (n): An underground conduit for carrying off drainage water and waste matter.

Synonyms

• Brown rat
• Norway rat
• Common rat
• Street rat (when referring to rats in urban environments)

Related Phrases

• (to be) a rat: An idiom meaning to be a traitor or informant. While related to the animal, this is a separate idiom not specific to "sewer rat."
  • He ratted out his partners to the police.

Noun

1. brown rat commonly found in sewers