bratty

Imagine a little kid throwing a tantrum in the grocery store because they don't get a candy bar—that's often described as bratty behavior. It means someone is acting spoiled, entitled, and generally unpleasant, usually by being demanding or disrespectful. While it can apply to adults, you most often hear it used to describe children who haven't learned good manners or how to handle disappointment. A bratty person isn't just misbehaving; they expect to get their way and are likely to be rude if they don't. Think of Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory—a classic example!

The word "bratty" describes behavior that is excessively spoiled, impolite, and demanding. It suggests someone acts as though they deserve special treatment and throw a fit when they don't get their way. While often used for children, adults can also be bratty—think of someone cutting in line or being rude to service staff because they believe their time matters more than other people’s.

Its source is the noun "brat" (an unruly, badly behaved child, especially in informal use), and the -y ending gives it the meaning of behaving in a brat-like way.

It's important to note that "bratty" is often subjective; what one person considers bratty behavior, another might see as a child expressing frustration or need. However, it generally implies unreasonable entitlement and little consideration for others. You might say, "His bratty attitude ruined the family dinner," or "She was acting bratty, demanding her parents buy her everything she wanted." It's rarely a compliment!