WordGarden.iobrat
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈæt/
US
- /ˈbræt/
Meanings
Noun
a badly behaved or spoiled child
a bratwurst sausage
(slang)a submissive partner who playfully resists in a BDSM dynamic
Adjective
(slang)confidently messy, rebellious, or party-oriented in style
Beyond the definition
A "brat" usually refers to a child—or sometimes an adult behaving childishly—who is consistently badly behaved, loud, and hard to manage. Think of a kid who throws tantrums when frustrated, demands constant attention, and ignores limits. The label is usually informal and often carries the idea that the behavior comes from overindulgence, too much inconsistency, or poor boundaries. You might call someone a "spoiled brat" if they seem demanding, self-centered, and ungrateful.
The term "brat" carries a sting—it describes a child (or sometimes an adult acting immaturely) who is spoiled, disrespectful, and persistently difficult. It's more than occasional mischief; it suggests a pattern of demanding, rude, and unruly behavior.
In everyday use, a "brat" is usually a pejorative for someone who has learned to get what they want by pushing limits. You'll hear people say, "don't be so bratty," to push back against tantrums, whining, and entitled demands in public or private life.
Because it judges a person rather than just a single action, the word can feel harsh. Not every difficult child is a "brat"; some are simply overwhelmed, tired, or learning to regulate emotions. The term is generally informal and can be offensive, so use it carefully. It describes behavior more than identity, and it's often closer to "misbehaving in a spoiled or unruly way" than to a permanent character flaw.
Examples
- 1
Child behavior
Their youngest son can be a real brat when he doesn't get his way.
- 2
Scolding
Stop acting like a brat and apologize to your sister.
- 3
Spoiled behavior
She called him a spoiled brat for complaining about a perfectly good gift.
- 4
Playful teasing
"Give me back my fries, you brat," she said, laughing.
- Usage
Used jokingly, "brat" can describe someone older too.
See also
Similar
- spoiled child
- naughty child
- little terror
Shades of meaning
- imp
- hellion
Contrast
- well-behaved child
Used with (collocations)
- spoiled brat
- little brat
- act like a brat
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- bratnoun
Forms
- bratspluralnoun