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 Word Forms

• brattish 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

He’s an actor who seems to specialize in exposing the underbelly of idols, be they the wealthy brats of “Saltburn” or the King himself in Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla.”

From Los Angeles Times

Wisconsin, land of cheese curds and brats and brandy Old Fashioneds.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair were spotted posing on the steps of Hackney Town Hall on Saturday afternoon - Daniel in suit and tie and the 'brat' idol in white.

From BBC

He grew up an Army brat, moving around the world until his father completed his military career and settled in Golden, Colo., to take a job at a family lumber business.

From Los Angeles Times

Doting on this brat is dangerous; a public hug would put a target on Sarah’s back.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• punk 
• rascal