plague rats
Pestilence-spreading rodents
Plague rats is a derogatory term for people blamed for spreading disease, especially during epidemics.
The phrase gained currency during COVID-19 to describe those who ignored public health measures: Those plague rats refused to wear masks.
It evokes the role of rats in spreading bubonic plague, casting the targets as vectors of contagion rather than victims.
- pestilenceFatal epidemic disease
- diseaseDisorder impairing normal function
- contagionDisease spread by contact
- disease vectorOrganism spreading pathogens
- vectorsDirected magnitude quantities
Black Death · epidemic · virus · flea · flea bites · carriers · pathogen · mortality · Yersinia pestis · rodents · invasive species · zoonosis · infestation · urban wildlife · transmission · vermin · bring out your dead · sewer
plague ratstherapy animals
Pets used for healing
service dogs · healers · antibodies · vaccines · medicine
plague ratssterile environment
Space without living microorganisms
sanitary conditions · domestic cats · pristine · hygienic · immaculate
plague ratsguardian angels
Protective spirits assigned to individuals
comfort animals · man's best friend · therapy animals · service dogs · loyal dogs
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