Slangora

fanny rat

British slang for a man who aggressively pursues women with little discretion or respect — a sleazy womanizer who makes a hobby of it.

ˈfæni ˈɹætDocumented since 1990s1990sMillennialhistorical237 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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Born ~1990 · no dated citations yet
1990BornToday, 2026
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UK
#1·Apr 28, 2026UK

British slang for a man who aggressively pursues women with little discretion or respect — a sleazy womanizer who makes a hobby of it. The term is blunter than 'ladies' man' and carries a clear negative judgment. It's the kind of thing a group of women might mutter about the guy at the bar who's already tried it on with three of them. Distinctly British in register, pairing 'fanny' (British slang for female genitalia) with 'rat' to paint an unflattering picture.

Don't bother with him, he's a fanny rat — there's a new girl every weekend.
Origin: British vulgar compound. Fanny in British English refers to female genitalia (unlike the American usage meaning buttocks), giving the compound a more explicitly sexual meaning than it might seem to US ears. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora (model-assisted, hedged).
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GlobalAvoid at work
#2·Apr 27, 2026Global

(UK, slang, vulgar) A womanizer.

For parents

"fanny rat" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning a womanizer. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.

For ESL learners

"fanny rat" is highly informal and vulgar English meaning a womanizer. It is mainly heard in British English (and Irish English). A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "a womanizer" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake for non-native speakers is to use "fanny rat" thinking it is neutral; in fact it is rude and can offend, so avoid it in writing or in any professional setting. If you are a B2 or C1 learner, it is useful to recognise this word when you hear or read it, but think carefully about whether the situation really calls for it before using it yourself.

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