Why Is It Called Rugrats? What Else Could It Be?

Rugrats is one of the most successful hits of Nickelodeon - a famous American cable television channel. Its uniqueness lies in the soft blend between catching children's eyes with many exciting adventures while conveying funny and thoughtful themes that adults could relate to through witty dialogue. In addition, it's the name Rugrats which contains multi-layered meanings. Have you ever wondered why is it called Rugrats? In this blog article, we’ve got you covered.

The Meaning Behind "Rugrats"

As you might not know, “rug rat” was the original word for “rugrats”, having its first public appearance in an article from the Columbus Daily Telegram. It was a slang term to describe a toddler who is still crawling or just beginning to walk. 

When it comes to diving into the details, the term "rat" has been a common way to describe someone who's both smart and naughty. Back in time, humans considered rats as filthy pests that survived by stealing and causing chaos since medieval Europe. Over time, these traits were then utilized as metaphors for people who are clever and mischievous, making it a fitting descriptor for toddlers. 

Understanding the original word’s meaning, people can easily comprehend the key content that the Rugrats series conveys and answer the question “Why is it called Rugrats?” This series was about the thrilling adventures of messy babies. The show then rapidly gained popularity, paving the way for the term “rugrats” to be widely used. 

This remarkable milestone illustrates how American slang could combine humor with imagery, as Arlene Klasky - the creator of the Rugrats series—successfully transformed an unflattering word into something iconic and memorable.

How The Creators Chose "Rugrats" For The Show

A while back, Arlene Klasky conceived Rugrats in 1989 while caring for her two young sons and working from home. Watching their behaviors every day and wondering what babies would say if they could talk drove her to create a show centered on toddlers’ imaginative perspectives. This idea then quickly got approval from Nickelodeon, and they finally came up with the main characters: 

• Tommy: the leader and the hero

• Chuckie: the scaredy cat

• Angelica: the bully

Surprisingly, “Rugrats” was not the original title choice for this now-renowned animated series. However, “Rugrats” turned out to be an ideal choice because this term could represent the show's content directly. It immediately implies that this animated series is told from a child’s perspective, full of curiosity and imagination. 

Could It Have Been Different? Alternatives To "Rugrats"

An interesting fact about Rugrats is that Arlene Klasky, one of the show’s creators, originally wanted to name the series “Onesomething”. She shared that she got inspiration from another popular TV drama named “Thirtysomething”. 

Thirtysomething was an American drama series about a group of friends living in their thirties. The show was about adults’ perspectives on life with common issues like marriage, parenting, career challenges, and friendships. 

As we can see, “Onesomething” might have conveyed a similar message to “Thirtysomething” by showcasing the world from a baby’s perspective through imaginative adventures. However, it seemed to be unclear and could not fully express the playful tone of the series. In comparison, “Rugrats” offered a more direct approach. That’s why the production team quickly chose it in a flash. 

Was there any alternative title to the term “Rugrats”? The answer was no. According to official interviews and articles, only “Onesomething” was mentioned as the first proposed name for this famous TV series. However, when the phrase “rug rat” was magically transformed into “Rugrats,” carrying a hidden message, the production team agreed without any hesitation.

Why Is It Called Rugrats: The Best Fit For The Show

As we explained in the first paragraph, the term “Rugrats” is common American slang. It has been widely used to describe young children, especially toddlers who crawl around on the floor. These babies play a crucial role in creating chaos and are always curious about everything they see. 

The show itself is about thrilling adventures from a child’s viewpoint. So, a short, catchy title that can thoroughly point out the picture of playful mischief and childhood energy is essential. That’s the “Rugrats” term that perfectly captured the spirit of the show: a group of adventurous babies exploring the world around them. 

More than an animated TV show title, “Rugrats” has become a common slang for Americans, especially those who grew up in the 1900s with the booming development of this series. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, our article offers everything you need to answer the question, “Why is it called Rugrats?” More than just an animated TV show, Rugrats has become an iconic part of American slang and pop culture, especially for those who grew up in the late 20th century. Its lasting impact shows just how much creativity and attention to detail the brilliant creators put into the show.

And if you're a big Rugrats fan and want to celebrate the show’s legacy, Fendory provides this officially licensed Rugrats t-shirt collection. Click on and browse our latest designs.

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