brat

[ brat ]

noun

1. a child, especially an annoying, spoiled, or impolite child (usually used in contempt or irritation).

brat

¹

/ bræt /

noun

1. a child, esp one who is ill-mannered or unruly: used contemptuously or playfully

brat

²

/ bræt /

noun

1. dialect.
   an apron or overall

Other Words From

• brattish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brat¹

First recorded in 1500–20; perhaps transferred use of Middle English brat “cloak of coarse cloth, rag,” Old English bratt “cloak,” from Celtic; compare Irish brat “mantle, cloak”

Word History and Origins

Origin of brat¹

C16: perhaps special use of earlier brat rag, from Old English bratt cloak, of Celtic origin; related to Old Irish bratt cloth, brat ²

Origin of brat²

from Old English brat cloak; related to Old Irish bratt cloth used to cover the body

Example Sentences

I mean, just being a part of the whole “brat” era was such an honor, because she just f— killed it.

From Los Angeles Times

Collins dictionary also announced in November that its word of the year was brat - a word that has been everywhere over the last couple of months thanks to Charli XCX's viral album.

From BBC

The idea of 'brat' was adopted by some fans as a rejection of the "clean girl" aesthetic, popularised on TikTok.

From BBC

“When Martha gets mad about an old magazine article and she says that she’s glad the journalist who wrote it is dead, that is brat,” the pop star said.

From Salon

The singer's album Brat inspired a cultural phenomenon in the summer, with many people adopting the "brat" way of life.

From BBC

Related Words

• punk
• rascal