bilge rat

the bilge is the part of a ship below the floor boards of the bottom level, just above the hull... ie the darkest and most grim part of the boat. a rat is, well, a small annoying (and to some people, scary) rodent. Therefore the term "bilge rat" is a pirate insult.

arrr, ye be a great foolish bilge rat, ye be!

by Mad Sam purple'ead January 4, 2005

Bilge Rat

A Stoker or Spanner Wanker in the Royal Navy. Officially, they are Marine Engineering Mechanics or MEMs. Also, it's accurate since they usually spend a lot of time in the underbelly of a ship.

Does that Bilge Rat ever do any real work?

by Mr Rusher August 21, 2007

Bilge rat

Someone who doesn’t own a boat or has no intention of ever owning a boat but enjoys fishing and will do anything to go out in his friends or acquaintance’s boats.

Jordan is a real bilge rat.

by Barracod May 20, 2019

Bilge rat

An unattractive individual on or near a body of water. Typically also looking for love.

Avast! Upstream be a gaggle of horny bilge rats. Keep yer head on a swivel, me hearties!

by River Boyz July 22, 2025