Street Rats

About the street rat• The Street Rats are a white underclass at the extreme end of Chav.

They’re often involved in criminality and are permanently accompanied by a mobile phone (pay as you go) and a cap perched on top of their heads, often tilted to the side to hide the eyes.

Tracksuits and trainers for the boys, zip-up tops for the girls, bought from a catalogue or TK-Maxx-style factory outlet. Mainstream radio and whatever CDs they come across. Music isn't a key cultural driver, though there are some leanings towards hard dance of the donk variety with a bit of chart hip hop, garage and R&B.

Definitions of a street rat• Street Rats of course represent a troubled underclass.

• A diamond in the ruff. You are a worthless street rat. You were born a street rat. You will die a street rat. And only your fleas will morn you."

• A person who lives and exhibits attitudes of inner city life. usually a negative connotation that implies poor upbringing, bad manners, little to no education and low class behaviour.

• A teenager, normally with terrible posture who wears a hoodie and hangs around looking menacing. They can normally be seen hanging around outside shops and McDonalds. Often obstructing the doorway and making threatening comments when people want to get past.

How to spot a street rat

Or try this quote from a 15-year-old male in Leeds; ‘Street rats can often be found robbing, mugging, scavenging, pick-pocketing, stealing, torturing animals, burning, breaking, watching porn, smoking, taking drugs and drinking. They dislike pretty much anyone who crosses their path.' Ouch. Their words, not ours'.

Icons and role models

Social class of the street rat

• Viewed by others – sometimes accurately – as malnourished, ill looking, with bad teeth, they dislike pretty much anyone who crosses their path. Our research found consistent references to Street Rats across the UK and a very consistent message of what they are. Young people are aware of the differences between Street Rats and Chavs. We see this group as a result of specific socioeconomic circumstances – a severe lack of life chances, and a reminder that Britain’s class structure is as strong as ever.

Appearance of the street rat

• TK Maxx-style factory outlets are extremely popular and are also a good place to spot members of this tribe.

• Hair is likely to be cut extremely short, either all over the head or just on the sides.

• Street Rats wear tracksuits and trainers most of the time. They look more Dickensian and less well-fed than your average Chav.

• An alternative for girls are zip-up tops, bought from a catalogue.