bunch of rats

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bunch of rats" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are perceived as deceitful or untrustworthy. Example: "After the scandal broke, the politician referred to his former allies as a bunch of rats who had betrayed him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Just as there are stages of grief, there are stages of living with a bunch of rats.

The New Yorker

Men used to gamble on the speed with which a terrier could dispatch a bunch of rats.

The Guardian

When a member of FAIR wrote that Hispanic immigrants should be shot -- because they "multiply like a bunch of rats" -- a staff member offered to refund his dues.

The New York Times

When he's in vampire mode he stops looking like young Gary Oldman and more like Big Foot or a huge bat or a bunch of rats in human form.

The Guardian - Film

So she hoisted a handmade poster calling the Mexican government a "bunch of rats," and plunged with three gray-haired girlfriends into eight lanes of rush-hour chaos on the capital's biggest boulevard, the Reforma.

The New York Times

"We're just a bunch of rats," said Earle Young, 31, a cook who stood waiting in a throng of perhaps 10,000 outside the Superdome, waiting in the blazing sun for buses to take them away from the city.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Devils decided tonight to entrust next week's playoff travel itinerary to their 38-year-old backup goaltender and a bunch of Albany River Rats who are accustomed to watching lots of Devils games from the press box.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think you're all a bunch of sewer rats in Washington," the man told him.

The New York Times

So because I like my mom's way of thinking about things, I asked myself, What would my mom do if she found a bunch of dead rats rotting amidst the plumbing underneath the sink and stinking up the kitchen?

Huffington Post

This is the soundtrack to a beautiful tweenage utopian vision of gravity bong rips with a bunch of skater rats in a wood-paneled Midwestern basement while watching Street Trash.

Vice

"There's still a bunch of us water rats out here," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bunch of rats" to describe people, be mindful of the negative connotations. Ensure the context warrants such a harsh comparison, as it implies untrustworthiness and deceit.

Common error

Avoid using "bunch of rats" in formal or professional writing. The phrase is highly informal and carries strong negative connotations, making it inappropriate for business reports, academic papers, or official communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bunch of rats" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. It is used to describe a group of rats, literally, or metaphorically, to negatively characterize a group of people. Ludwig AI shows that its use often carries a negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bunch of rats" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to depict a group of rodents or, metaphorically, to express disdain toward a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct but carries strong negative connotations. While its literal meaning is neutral, the figurative use implies untrustworthiness or contempt. It is more commonly found in News & Media and informal contexts. When writing, be aware of the register and the impact of such a negative comparison. Alternatives such as "group of rats" or "pack of rats" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of rats

Replaces "bunch" with "group", maintaining the same meaning.

pack of rats

Uses "pack" instead of "bunch", implying a group that may behave in a coordinated manner.

cluster of rats

Substitutes "bunch" with "cluster", suggesting a closely packed gathering of rats.

swarm of rats

Replaces "bunch" with "swarm", implying a large, moving mass of rats.

horde of rats

Replaces "bunch" with "horde", suggesting a large, overwhelming number of rats.

infestation of rats

Shifts the focus to the problem caused by the rats rather than just their gathering.

plague of rats

Emphasizes the negative impact and widespread presence of rats, similar to a plague.

gang of rats

Implies rats acting together in a mischievous or harmful way.

nest of rats

Focuses on rats living together in a specific location.

collection of rats

A more neutral term, simply indicating a number of rats gathered together.

FAQs

How can I use "bunch of rats" in a sentence?

You can use "bunch of rats" to describe a group of people considered untrustworthy or despicable. For example: "After the scandal, he described his former allies as a "bunch of rats"." Be aware of the strong negative connotation.

What can I say instead of "bunch of rats"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "group of rats", "pack of rats", or if referring to people, consider phrases like "traitors" or "despicable individuals".

Is it appropriate to use "bunch of rats" in formal writing?

No, "bunch of rats" is not appropriate for formal writing. It is an informal expression with strong negative connotations. Use more professional or neutral language in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "bunch of rats" and "group of rats"?

"Group of rats" is a neutral description, while "bunch of rats" carries a negative connotation, often implying disgust or contempt. The choice depends on the intended emotional impact.