rats

The animal sense of the word carries a heavy burden of filth, plague, and unwanted intrusion. It is rarely used neutrally; instead, it evokes a feeling of revulsion or a sense of a hidden, scurrying presence in the walls of a building.

When used as a verb, the word shifts into the realm of social betrayal. It suggests a sneaky, opportunistic act of disloyalty, mirroring the perceived untrustworthiness of the animal. This usage is common in crime dramas or casual slang to describe a snitch.