The term EMULATE A RAT can be broken down into two crossword solutions, BLAB and GNAW. BLAB is a verb meaning to talk excessively or noisily, while GNAW is a verb meaning to bite or chew on something persistently. Emulating a rat would involve talking excessively and persistently biting or chewing on something. This behavior could be seen in humans when they are anxious or stressed, or when they are trying to get attention.