
Rat
Negative Connotations
The word 'rat' can suggest dirtiness or disease, especially in urban settings.
The abandoned warehouse was swarming with rats.
Associated Behaviors
'Rat' is often used to describe animals that are sneaky or thieving.
A rat stole food from the kitchen.
Common Metaphor
'Rat race' is a metaphor for the competitive struggle of daily life.
I'm tired of this rat race and want to retire.