winter rat
An old, unattractive automobile, purchased for little money, to be driven during brutal Great Lakes winters while the owner's "good" car remains garaged and protected from corrosive road salt for the season.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I bought a cheap winter rat to drive through the snow.”
“She parks her winter rat on the street during the coldest months.”
“He keeps his expensive sports car in the garage and drives a rusty winter rat until the spring thaw.”
“My neighbor does not care if he hits a snowbank because his winter rat is already covered in dents and rust.”
“You should check the heater before buying a winter rat, as you only need it to stay warm while the salt ruins the frame.”
“To preserve his vintage vehicle from the corrosive effects of road salt, he purchased a battered winter rat for his daily commute during the harsh months.”
disputed origin
The term is believed to have originated in or around Syracuse, New York. It is a regionalism of uncertain history, appearing in local parlance as a designation for a vehicle of negligible value maintained specifically for the salted roads of the winter season.
- 01
buy straw hats in winter
Of stocks, to buy when both demand and price are low, so as to sell when demand and price are high.
- 02
dead of winter
The middle of the winter, characterized by being particularly cold.
- 03
give a rat's arse
To care a minimum amount; to have or show minimal interest
- 04
lab rat
A student or employee who spends a great deal of time working in a laboratory.
- 05
poor as a rat
Synonym of poor as a church mouse.
- 06
rat run
A small, usually minor road used by a significant amount of traffic as a short cut or to avoid congestion on more major routes.
- 07
rat's nest
Something that is excessively complicated, entangled, or disorderly (either physically or metaphorically).
- 08
smell a rat
To sense something suspicious.
Last updated August 10, 2026