noun
prat
prat
Prat (noun) means a foolish or contemptible person (British informal). Example: “Stop acting like such a prat and just apologize.”
noun
1
A foolish or contemptible person (British informal).
"Those protestors will have achieved nothing good. They are stupid prats."
— Metro, London (2023)
"Stop acting like such a prat and just apologize."
2
A person's buttocks (informal, dated).
"He slipped and landed square on his prat."
"Mungo didn't like their attitude. Nor did he like exposing his prat in mixed company."
— TC Boyle, Water Music (1982)
How to use prat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBritish slang for an idiot or someone acting foolishly; also old slang for the backside.
When to use it
Informal and mildly rude — mainly heard in British English.
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Word forms
- Plural
- prats
- Comparative
- more prat
- Superlative
- most prat
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Stop acting like such a _____ and just apologize.
Etymology
From Old English "prætt," meaning "trick" or "wile" — the sense shifted over time from "a trick" to "a foolish person," and separately came to mean "buttocks."
Related words
Rhymes for prat
See all rhymes for prat →Frequently asked questions
What does “prat” mean?
The word “prat” means a foolish or contemptible person (British informal). In plain terms, british slang for an idiot or someone acting foolishly; also old slang for the backside.
How do you pronounce “prat”?
“Prat” is pronounced prat (/pɹat/ in IPA).
How do you use “prat” in a sentence?
Here is “prat” used in a sentence: “Stop acting like such a prat and just apologize.”
What part of speech is “prat”?
“Prat” is a noun.
Where does the word “prat” come from?
The word “prat” comes from Old English.
How many meanings does “prat” have?
“Prat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a foolish or contemptible person (British informal).
