rata
everyday
A rat in Mexican Spanish is a rata. A mouse is a ratón, and Mexicans use that word for the computer mouse too.
It is a feminine noun, so you say la rata. A large rat can be called a ratota, and a small one a ratita.
Meaning: the rodent (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico rata is also an insult for a thief or a stingy person. Someone called rata can be a person who steals or who never wants to pay.
Did you know?
- In Mexican slang rata can mean a pickpocket or petty thief, which is why people say cuidado con las ratas in crowded places.
Examples in context
- Hay una rata en el patio.There is a rat in the yard.
- No seas rata y paga tu parte.Do not be stingy and pay your share.
Example conversation
Don Luis tells his neighbor Rosa about a noise in his garage in Guadalajara.
- Don LuisRosa, creo que hay una rata en mi cochera.Rosa, I think there is a rat in my garage.
- RosaAy, pon veneno o llama al fumigador.Oh, put out poison or call the exterminator.
- Don LuisMañana mismo lo llamo.I will call him tomorrow.
