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EXCLUSIVE Now woke scientists want to change the definition of RAT in the dictionary READ MORE: Activists urge posh decorating firm to rename animal-themed paint By XANTHA LEATHAM, EXECUTIVE SCIENCE EDITOR Published: 00:01, 9 April 2025 | Updated: 00:01, 9 April 2025 e-mail View comments They've campaigned against the slaughter of chickens, the use of large animals in circuses and the exploitation of killer whales in theme parks. But animal rights activists have now turned their attention to an unexpected target – the Cambridge Dictionary. In a letter to its editor, PETA have asked for the 'unfair' definition of 'rats' to be changed.
The noun currently has two separate definitions depending on the context of its use. The word, in reference to an animal, is 'a small rodent, larger than a mouse, that has a long tail and is considered to be harmful'. Meanwhile, in reference to a human, the informal definition is 'an unpleasant person who deceives others or is not loyal'.
The letter, signed by Elisa Allen – PETA's Vice President of Programmes – was sent to Cambridge's editor Rachel Fletcher yesterday. It reads: 'We're writing on behalf of rats and those who care about them – as well as anyone who appreciates accuracy in language – to ask that you please update your entry for the informal noun "rat", currently defined as "an unpleasant person who deceives others or is not loyal". The letter written to the editor of the Cambridge Dictionary, Rachel Fletcher, asking her to update the entry for the informal noun 'rat' A rat pictured in the street of Tottenham in Hackney, North London.
PETA say misconceptions about the animals see them deemed 'pests' 'This is not only inaccurate but unfair to rats, who are pleasant, loyal individuals who form strong attachments and loving family bonds. 'As altruistic as they are clever, rats also show empathy and a willingness to help other rats – even when they don't know the individual in peril and dream of a better future.' They add that rats make 'chirping sounds strikingly similar to a child's laughter when tickled'.
'Misleading definitions that associate rats with deceit and disloyalty can play a role in their abuse,' they added. 'Misconceptions about these sensitive animals see them deemed 'pests' and poisoned, killed in guillotine-like traps, or otherwise tormented. 'For flawed science, they're allowed to be used like inanimate laboratory equipment, shocked, burned, near-drowned, and forced to ingest chemicals before being cruelly killed.
'Rats deserve better, and you can help them get it simply by removing derogatory and misleading definitions.' According to Britannica, the online encyclopaedia, rats have come to mean traitors or snitches party due to their reputation as 'filthy and deadly creatures'. The animal rights activists warned 'misleading definitions that associate rats with deceit and disloyalty can play a role in their abuse' It could also be – in part – because rats will flee sinking ships and collapsing houses, giving the impression of abandonment, they said.
Last week, the RSPCA begged people to 'ditch popular misconceptions and be kind to rats' to celebrate World Rat Day. They said that despite bad press, rats are 'friendly, intelligent and playful animals and can make excellent companions'. 'While some people might not be keen to spot a wild rat in their gardens, many will be surprised to learn they are very social animals, capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions, from joy and affection to sadness and stress,' they added.
Read More Death of the 'Dead Salmon'? PETA activists urge posh decorating range Farrow & Ball to rename animal-themed paints to make them more 'vegan friendly' Last year, PETA urged paint company Farrow and Ball to update their 'anti-animal' paint names including Dead Salmon, Tallow, Au Lait, Smoked Trout and Potted Shrimp. They said: 'Renaming animal product–monikered paints would be a fun way to appeal to more conscious consumers. 'Dead Salmon could become Magic Mushroom, Au Lait could become Lait de Coco, and Potted Shrimp – well, you're the expert, but you get the idea! 'Renaming colours that normalise animal abuse is one way to remind others that animals are not food but sentient individuals and members of the delicate ecosystem we all share.
' HOW SMART ARE RATS? Rats are considered highly social animals that become attached to each other, love their families and can bond with their human owners. It is believed they are capable of empathy and can recognise and react to pain in others. A study by Jaak Panksepp, a neuroscientist at Bowling Green State University, found when rats are tickled they make chirping sounds that are similar to human laughter.
'[Y]oung rats have a marvellous sense of fun', said Dr Panksepp, adding that the rodents bonded with the human tickler and liked to be ticked as much as possible. Contrary to their reputation they are also very clean animals and groom themselves regularly. Rats are highly social animals that become attached to each other, love their families and can bond with their human owners In September last year researchers from New York University found when rats are frightened in the day, the fear centres in their brains are re-activated during sleep - potentially helping to strengthen memories.
Researchers say that rats store maps of what they experience in both of their hippocampi - two curved structures inside the brain. Different places that the rat experiences are processed by different groups of neurons that activate together in sequence as a rat runs around a maze. After exploring an area, these sequences have been observed replaying as the rat sleeps - comparable to dreaming of the paths they'd taken when they were awake.
Researchers believe that this allows memories to be stored in the long term. The most recent research by the University of St Andrew's found rats help each other out in return for favours in a similar way to humans. The rodents were found to groom food-providers more often than partners who had refused to help.
In addition, common Norway rats offered more food to those who cleaned them, researchers found. Share or comment on this article: Now woke scientists want to change the definition of RAT in the dictionary e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
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