What is a rat called in a group? - briefly
A group of rats is called a mischief. In scientific literature the term colony is also employed.
What is a rat called in a group? - in detail
The collective noun for rats varies by region and context. In most English usage, the accepted term is «mischief». This word appears in several reputable dictionaries as the standard designation for a group of rats. Alternative expressions include «colony», often applied to laboratory or wild populations that share a nesting site, and «pack», used when describing rats moving together in pursuit of food. Some sources also list «horde» and «swarm» as informal options, though these lack the same lexical authority.
Key points for each term:
- «Mischief»: primary dictionary entry; emphasizes the chaotic nature of the animals.
- «Colony»: denotes a stable, breeding community; common in scientific literature.
- «Pack»: highlights coordinated movement; appropriate for describing foraging groups.
- «Horde» and «swarm»: informal, convey large numbers; rarely used in formal contexts.
Historical usage traces back to the 16th‑century English term “mischief of rats,” derived from the Old French mesche meaning “trouble.” The term “colony” entered zoological texts in the 19th century, reflecting observations of rats establishing permanent settlements. “Pack” aligns with terminology for other mammals that travel together, such as wolves, and appears in contemporary wildlife reports.
When writing about rat behavior, selecting the appropriate collective noun depends on the setting: use «mischief» for general descriptions, «colony» for breeding groups, and «pack» for transient foraging assemblies.