brat

4 synonyms for brat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A child, especially one seen as spoiled, unruly, or badly behaved.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

terror

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

bratwurst holy terror little terror

How to use brat

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

spoiled brat little brat army brat

Informal and mildly negative; can also be used affectionately about a mischievous child.

Etymology

Early Modern English (c. 1500) slang term meaning "beggar's child". Possibly from Scots bratchet (“bitch, hound”), in which case it would be a doublet of brachet. Another possibility is that it was originally a dialectal word, from northern and western England and the Midlands, for a "makeshift or ragged garment," from...

Full origin of brat →

Frequently asked questions

What does “brat” mean?

The word “brat” means a child, especially one seen as spoiled, unruly, or badly behaved. In plain terms, a disapproving word for a badly behaved or spoiled child (or someone acting like one).

How do you pronounce “brat”?

“Brat” is pronounced brat (/bɹæt/ in IPA).

How do you use “brat” in a sentence?

Here is “brat” used in a sentence: “The waiter sighed as the brat threw his food on the floor.”

What part of speech is “brat”?

“Brat” is a noun.

Is “brat” a common word?

“Brat” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Nearby words

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