cállate, rata
/ˈkaʝate ˈrata/word by word
The English phrase 'shut up you rat' is translated into Spanish as cállate, rata.
This is an aggressive command used to tell someone to stop talking while simultaneously insulting them. The term rata is used as a derogatory noun to imply the person is a snitch, a thief or generally contemptible.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form cállate, rata is highly informal and aggressive, suitable only for heated arguments or very close, insulting banter. In a formal setting, you might use Le ruego que se calle, rata to mean 'I beg you to be quiet, you rat.'
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the informal imperative cállate, which is used when addressing someone with tú (informal 'you').
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaʝate ˈrata/
Did you know?
- The word rata comes from the Vulgar Latin 'rattus', which was originally borrowed from a Germanic source.
- In some Latin American slang, calling someone a rata can specifically refer to a person who is stingy or refuses to spend money.
- The verb in cállate is reflexive, meaning the command literally translates to 'silence yourself' rather than just 'be quiet'.
Examples in context
- ¡Cállate de una vez, rata asquerosa!Shut up already, you disgusting rat!
- No quiero oírte, cállate, rata.I don't want to hear you, shut up, rat.
- ¡Cállate, rata de alcantarilla!Shut up, you sewer rat!
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are arguing intensely in a hallway.
- Daniel¡No me mientas más!Don't lie to me anymore!
- Sofía¡Es la verdad, Daniel!It is the truth, Daniel!
- Daniel¡Cállate, rata!Shut up, you rat!
- Sofía¡Eres un grosero!You are rude!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (cállate, rata) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
