WordGarden.iobratty
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈæti/
US
- /ˈbræti/adjective
Meanings
Adjective
spoiled, demanding, or badly behaved in a childlike way
Beyond the definition
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!
Examples
- 1
Child behavior
Her little brother gets bratty when he's tired and hungry.
- 2
Advertising attitude
The girl in the ad is cute, but her bratty attitude gets annoying fast.
- 3
Speaking tone
He apologized later and said he hadn't meant to sound bratty.
- Phrasesound bratty
seem bratty from the way you speak
- 4
Adult behavior
Some adults still act bratty when they don't get exactly what they want.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
TV roles
She often gets cast as the bratty rich daughter in TV dramas.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- well-behaved
- respectful
Used with (collocations)
- bratty child
- bratty behavior
- act bratty
- come across as bratty
Word family
- brat
- brattiness
Explore
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- brattyadjective
Forms
- brattiercomparativeadjective
- brattiestsuperlativeadjective