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

Mahan was an Air Force brat who lived throughout the United States and, for a time, in England before his father retired from the military and started looking for a place to settle.

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On “Actually Romantic,” listeners point to lyrics like “when the coke’s got you brave” as a nod to Charli’s drug-heavy songs from “brat.”

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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.”

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

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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.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• punk 
• rascal