What should a group of rats be called? - briefly
A group of rats is referred to as a «mischief». This designation appears in standard zoological references.
What should a group of rats be called? - in detail
The collective noun traditionally applied to rats is «mischief». This term appears in several English dictionaries as the standard designation for a group of wild or domestic rats. It is derived from the older usage of “mischief” to denote a disorderly assembly of vermin, reflecting the animal’s reputation for causing damage.
Alternative collective nouns exist, though they are less common and often arise from literary or regional sources. Examples include:
- «colony» – used when describing a settled population, especially in scientific contexts such as laboratory colonies.
- «pack» – occasionally employed when emphasizing the coordinated movement of rats in urban settings.
- «horde» – found in vivid descriptions, highlighting large, swarming numbers.
- «swarm» – appropriate for brief, chaotic gatherings, particularly during infestations.
Historical usage traces back to the 16th century, when “mischief” entered the lexicon as a term for a group of rodents. The word appears in early natural history texts and persists in modern reference works, confirming its status as the accepted collective noun.
In zoological literature, “colony” is preferred for controlled breeding groups, because it conveys a structured, managed population. Conversely, “mischief” remains the generic term for any informal aggregation of rats, whether in sewers, fields, or attics.
When writing about rats, selecting the appropriate collective noun depends on context: use «mischief» for general reference, «colony» for scientific discussion, and the other alternatives for stylistic variation.