A few days ago, I read this in a Lawrence Block from the 1990s:

“Rats.”

“Well, you still use strong language.”

“For now. Next thing you know I’ll be saying ‘Mice.’”

***

Then, a couple of days later, I read this in a Michael Innes from the 1940s:

"There'll be rats," he said.

"Rats."

"Yes--rats. Place teeming with them."

"And I said Rats." Judith was laughing in the darkness. "I believe you consider it improper."