Ratbag
Meaning: British/Australian insult for a disreputable or annoying person.
'Ratbag' is British/Australian slang for a rogue, troublemaker, or mildly despicable person. Less harsh than many insults—can even be used affectionately for mischievous children or cheeky adults. Implies roguishness more than true villainy.
Examples
- That little ratbag stole my chips! 那个小捣蛋鬼偷了我的薯条!¡Ese pequeño bribón me robó las patatas fritas!あの小さないたずらっ子がポテトを盗んだ!그 꼬마 장난꾸러기가 내 감자튀김을 훔쳤어!
- You ratbag! 你这个小鬼!¡Eres un bribón!この悪ガキ!이 말썽꾸러기!
- He's a lovable ratbag. 他是个可爱的捣蛋鬼Es un bribón encantadorあいつは憎めないいたずら者だ그 녀석은 미워할 수 없는 장난꾸러기야.
Pronunciation
/ˈrætbæɡ/
Usage Guide
Context: mild insult, affectionate teasing
Tone: teasing, affectionate, or insulting
✓ Do Say
- Can be affectionate for mischief-makers可以亲昵地用于捣蛋鬼Puede usarse con cariño para traviesosいたずらっ子に親しみを込めて使える장난꾸러기에게 애정을 담아 쓸 수 있음
✗ Don't Say
- Americans may not understand美国人可能听不懂Los americanos pueden no entenderloアメリカ人には通じないかもしれない미국인은 이해하지 못할 수 있음
Common Mistakes
- Can be affectionate or insulting—context matters
Origin & History
British/Australian slang from early 20th century. Combines 'rat' (unpleasant creature/person) with 'bag' suffix. Can be affectionate for rascals or insulting for genuinely unpleasant people.
Etymology: Rat + bag suffix
First recorded: Early 20th century
Cultural Context
Era: 20th century
Generation: All ages
Social background: Working and middle class
Pop culture: British/Australian TV
Regional notes: British and Australian. Americans rarely use.
Variations
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