An In-Depth Guide on the “Hot Rodent Boyfriend" (with Celebrity Examples)

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Discover why Gen Z wants to date sexy rat men

Co-authored by Bailey Cho Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: September 25, 2024 Fact Checked

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What is a “hot rodent boyfriend?”

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Examples of “Hot Rodent Men”

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Origin

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Is it okay to call someone a “hot rodent boyfriend?”

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Hot Rodent Men vs Golden Retriever Boyfriends

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Tips

You’ve probably seen the term “hot rodent boyfriend” all over social media, but what exactly does it mean? This viral term refers to an unconventionally attractive guy who resembles a rat (yes, we’re talking Stuart Little and Remy from Ratatouille). Keep reading to learn more about the Internet’s latest obsession with rodent men, including the origin of the trend and whether it’s okay to call someone a “rodent boyfriend.”

“Hot Rodent Boyfriend” Meaning, Traits, & Examples

A “hot rodent boyfriend” is a skinny and unconventionally handsome man with pinched, angular features. He doesn't necessarily have to look like a rat, but he has to possess "rodent energy," which is being quirky and affectionate. Celeb examples include Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor, Barry Keoghan, and Jeremy Allen White.

Section 1 of 5:

What is a “hot rodent boyfriend?”

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A “hot rodent boyfriend” is a svelte man with pinched, angular features. He’s an unconventionally attractive man who has mouse-like features, such as beady eyes, big ears, and an angular face or body. Being “rodent handsome” can also be more about your vibes than physical appearance.^{[1]
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Research source} Rodent men embody the opposite traits linked to toxic masculinity, and they’re known to show public affection to their partner in a slightly weird (but sexy) way.
- According to some TikTok users, he's a hot guy that resembles a rat—he might not be able to defend his partner in a physical fight, but he’s still sexy.

Section 2 of 5:

Examples of “Hot Rodent Men”

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According to Internet users, the exclusive group of hot rodent men includes, but isn’t limited to, the following celebrities:
- Mike Faist
- Josh O’Connor
- Barry Keoghan
- Timothée Chalamet
- Jeremy Allen White
- Matty Healy
- Adam Driver
- Kieran Culkin
- Glen Powell

Section 3 of 5:

Origin of the “Hot Rodent Boyfriend” Trend

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The “hot rodent boyfriend” trend originates from the film Challengers. On May 15, 2024, Dazed Digital published an article titled “All anyone wants is a hot rodent boyfriend.” It discusses the Internet’s obsession with “rodent-like men” and how they differ from golden retriever boyfriends. The article also mentions the viral X post from user @peacchip, which compares Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist—the lead actors from Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers—to Stuart Little and Roddy from Flushed Away.^{[2]
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- Alternatively, some people credit @marieprairiee’s viral tweet from April 2023, which suggests men can either be “eagle handsome, bear handsome, dog handsome, or reptilian handsome.”
- On May 23, 2024, the morning show TODAY with Hoda & Jenna covered the term and posted a clip to their TikTok, which gained over 920,000 views in 2 weeks. TikTok users began uploading commentary videos about “hot rodent men” in the following weeks.

Section 4 of 5:

Is it okay to call someone a “hot rodent boyfriend?”

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Some people think it’s offensive to compare men to rats. While some people believe being “rodent handsome” is a compliment, others believe it’s backhanded at best. Comparing someone to a rat—a creature associated with disease and plague—can come off as insulting, and it’s just another way to categorize people into different “types” of attractiveness, instead of saying you’re attracted to someone who doesn’t fit the current beauty standard.^{[3]
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- There’s also online debate on whether the term is antisemitic. Timothée Chalamet and Josh O’Connor, the poster boys of the “hot rodent” trend, have Jewish ancestry. Nazi propaganda depicted Jewish people as rodents or vermin to dehumanize them.^{[4]
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- On the flip side, calling someone a “hot rodent man” could be a confidence boost for some guys. The trend celebrates unconventional attractiveness and someone who “looks normal” compared to the rest of Hollywood.^{[5]
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Section 5 of 5:

Hot Rodent Men vs Golden Retriever Boyfriends

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Hot rodent men are quirkier than golden retriever boyfriends. While rodent boyfriends are kind, loyal, and affectionate like golden retriever boyfriends, they tend to be more sensitive and edgy. Rodent men are weird, funny, and slightly awkward—in a sweet and endearing way. Golden retriever boyfriends, however, are upbeat, goofy, and naturally outgoing. They love to make new friends and are eager to do anything.^{[6]
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- Examples of golden retriever boyfriends include: Travis Kelce, Tom Holland, Ryan Gosling, Taylor Lautner, Dean from Gilmore Girls, and Chandler from Friends.

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Tips

Another viral term for an unconventionally attractive person is “medium ugly.” This describes a man who doesn’t meet traditional beauty standards, but has a charm or quality that makes him attractive to a specific person.^{[7]
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Research source} Examples include: Benny Blanco, Andy Samberg, Pete Davidson, The Weeknd, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

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