You’ve probably seen the phrase we were the rats running and wondered if it is a real quote, a meme variation, or a mix-up with something else.
In most cases, it points toward Jerma’s “Rats” lore, especially the repeated chant from Rat Movie and the birthday song that turned into a long-running internet joke.
The phrase usually makes the most sense as a misremembered or mutated version of “Rats, rats, we are the Rats,” not as a standalone traditional saying.
If you see the phrase in a comment, caption, or remix, the meaning usually depends on context.
It can signal Jerma meme culture, a parody of a dramatic chant, or a playful reference to frantic movement and group identity.
What The Phrase Most Likely Refers To
The phrase most likely points to the Jerma “Rats” universe, where the line “Rats, rats, we are the Rats” appears in the birthday song and related lore.
That wording is close enough to “we were the rats running” that people often compress, remix, or mishear it in casual use.
Why It May Be A Misremembered Quote
The original chant from the Jerma lore wiki reads, “Rats, rats, we are the Rats. We prey at night, we stalk at night, we’re the Rats,” followed by “I’m the Giant Rat that makes all of the rules!” according to The Rats | Jerma Lore Wiki.
When people repeat it from memory, the grammar often shifts and “we were the rats running” can show up as a loose paraphrase.
The Closest Match In Internet Meme Culture
The closest match is the “We’re The Rats” birthday chant and its many reposts, edits, and covers.
A Reddit thread titled “We’re The Rats” Lyrics & Meaning reflects how strongly the exact wording sticks in meme culture, even when people quote it imperfectly.
Jerma, Rat Movie, And The Meme Connection
Jerma’s Rat Movie series gave the phrase its internet life.
The rats are a recurring cast, and their chant, birthday song, and giant-rat leadership rules made the whole bit easy to remix into new captions and jokes.
How The Rat Chant Became Recognizable Online
The chant became recognizable because it is simple, rhythmic, and weirdly theatrical.
The Jerma Lore Wiki notes that the Rats’ traditional chant and Birthday Mixtape are central to their culture, which is why the line spread beyond the original videos and into clips, memes, and fan edits.
Why Fans Repeat Variations Of The Line
Fans repeat variations because the phrase works as both a joke and a shared signal.
Saying “we were the rats running” can invoke the same chaotic energy as the original chant, while also sounding slightly off, which makes it feel even more meme-like.
Other Uses Of ‘Rats’ Running’ That Cause Confusion
Not every mention of rats running refers to Jerma.
Some uses come from news-style language, and others come from technical or idiomatic references that describe movement, shortcuts, or competitive pressure.
Unrelated News And Loaded Language
Writers sometimes use “rats running” metaphorically in headlines or commentary to suggest panic, disorder, or opportunism.
That kind of wording is emotionally loaded, so it is worth checking whether the speaker means actual animals, a meme reference, or a political or social insult.
Science References About Running Rodents
Researchers and journalists use rat behavior in science, lab work, and traffic terminology.
A phrase like rat running explained refers to cut-through driving, while the older “rat race” metaphor describes a tiring, cyclical chase for progress, not the Jerma chant.
