What does ratty mean?
Ratty is an informal adjective with two main meanings. The more widespread sense describes something that is worn, shabby, or in poor condition, as in a ratty jacket or a ratty piece of furniture. In British English, ratty can also describe a person who is irritable, cross, or easily annoyed, especially in the expression ‘get ratty’. The word often conveys an informal, slightly negative judgment: worn objects look neglected, while an irritable person seems impatient or short-tempered. Although ‘ratty’ can cover both physical deterioration and a sour mood, its two senses are most useful in different contexts. It is particularly handy when describing something shabby without the stronger suggestion of being ruined that ‘tattered’ may imply, and when describing British-style impatience without the more formal tone of ‘irascible’.
adjectiveRatty means worn, shabby, or in poor condition. In British English, it can also mean irritable, cross, or easily annoyed.
- Worn, shabby, or in poor condition.
- Irritable, cross, or easily annoyed, especially in British usage.
"She complained that the old jacket had become distinctly ratty."
"The chair had an old, ratty cushion that was covered in faded fabric."
"Do not get ratty with me; I am only trying to help."
One word can cover both a threadbare jumper and a person losing their patience: ‘ratty’ has worn down the body and the temper.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ratty come from?
Ratty is formed from the noun rat with the suffix -y, literally suggesting something rat-like. Its older sense developed in relation to shabbiness or poor condition, while the sense meaning irritable is associated especially with modern British usage. The root also appears in related formations such as ratlike and rattery.
How ratty is actually used
The sense meaning irritable is especially associated with British English, while the sense meaning shabby is common in both British and American English. It can sound informal or mildly dismissive when applied to a person’s mood or belongings.
Easily confused with ratty
Ratty is an adjective describing a shabby condition or an irritable mood, whereas rattle is a verb meaning to shake or make a repeated sound.
Ratty can describe something generally worn or shabby, while tattered focuses more specifically on fabric that is torn or frayed.