dirty rat
Low-down double-crosser
A dirty rat is a contemptible person—someone treacherous, disloyal, or underhanded.
The phrase evokes vermin associated with filth and disease.
It's most familiar from gangster films of the 1930s and '40s, often misquoted as You dirty rat!
The expression sounds dated now, used more for comic effect than genuine accusation.
- traitorOne who betrays allegiance
- snitchOne who tells authorities
- scoundrelDishonest, unscrupulous person
- backstabberDisloyal pretend ally
- verminHarmful small animals
squealer · lowlife · weasel · informer · betrayer · sleaze · crook · fink · double-crosser · sewer · filthy · sneaky · scheming · treacherous · back alley · alley · tail · whiskers
dirty ratloyal friend
Devoted, reliable companion
true blue · stand-up guy · true friend · faithful companion · good egg
dirty ratpillar of the community
Respected local leader
hero · saint · gentleman · class act · trusted confidant
dirty, rat, dirt, dirtier, dirtiest, dirtily, dirtiness, rats, ratty