brat
brat Lexical Profile
brat Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A child or person, typically a young one, who is spoiled, ill-mannered, or unruly.
"The spoiled brat threw a loud tantrum in the middle of the grocery store."
A person, especially a child, whose parent belongs to a specified profession that requires frequent relocation or a distinct lifestyle (such as the military).
"Growing up as an army brat meant she attended six different schools before high school."
American A bratwurst, a type of German sausage typically made of pork or veal and grilled or fried.
"We grilled brats and served them on toasted buns with sauerkraut and mustard."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to a spoiled child, 'brat' is pronounced with a short 'a' (/bræt/) and carries a derogatory tone; when used in American English as a clipping of 'bratwurst', it is pronounced with a broad 'a' (/brɑːt/).
• Rhymes for brat
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 16th century as a beggar's term for a child, likely deriving from a dialectal word meaning 'makeshift garment' or 'rag', ultimately from Old English 'bratt' (cloak).