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Sewer rat
01
brown rat commonly found in sewers
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Animal
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
sewer rats
02
a person regarded as filthy, treacherous, or morally repellent
Offensive
Slang
What is the origin of the term "sewer rat" and how is it used?
"Sewer rat" is a slang insult that emerged in English in the 19th–20th centuries, drawing on the literal image of a rat living in sewers to evoke filth, disease, and moral corruption. The metaphor portrays a person as dirty, treacherous, or socially repellent, likening their character to a scavenging, unwanted creature. It is used in informal speech, literature, and journalism to strongly condemn someone's behavior or character. The term is clearly derogatory and offensive, intended to express disgust and contempt rather than humor.
Examples
That sewer rat stole from his own friends.
