brat

Everyday

1. (informal, rude) A brat is a child who behaves badly, is spoiled or rude. tree →
2. (informal) An army brat is a child who grew up moving from base to base because a parent was in the armed forces. tree →
3. (informal) Sometimes used jokingly about any annoying younger person. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «brat» shows that a character is spoiled or naughty, or that someone is cross with a child. It is an insult, so it tells the reader about the speaker's feelings too. Phrases: spoiled brat, little brat, army brat.

Examples

• That spoiled brat screamed until he got the toy. tree →
• Stop being such a brat and share your sweets. tree →
• My cousin was an army brat and lived in five countries. tree →
• The little brat kicked my chair the whole film. tree →
• Mum said, «Don't be bratty to your sister.» tree →
• In the story, the brat finally learns to say thank you. tree →
• She's nought but a brat, with ne'er a cow or a cabbage o' her own." tree →

Note

Calling someone a brat is rude; do not use it to an adult or a teacher. Plural «brats». Not to be confused with «bratwurst», a German sausage (sometimes shortened to «brat» in the USA).