a brat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a child or person who is perceived as being spoiled, rude, or difficult to manage. Example: "She can be such a brat when she doesn't get her way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's not even a brat.

The New York Times - Magazine

(7) Frank's daughter is a brat.

The Guardian - Film

"I'm a brat, I'm a princess.

The Guardian - Music

I was a brat, always in trouble".

The New York Times

Why couldn't Julie just be a brat?

The New York Times - Magazine

A wise woman once said, "Stanley Tucci is a brat".

The Guardian

Yes, she is a bully and a brat.

The New York Times - Books

She is not a brat, guys, she's an artist.

The New York Times

"He was a brat," Mrs. Schorsch said brightly.

The New York Times

Degenerating into a brat isn't the only option.

The New York Times

Still, Ms. Naughton plays the character as quite a brat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brat" to describe someone whose behavior is consistently spoiled and disrespectful, not just during isolated incidents. For temporary bad behaviors, consider milder terms.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as "a brat" if their behavior is merely playful or mischievous. The term carries a negative connotation of spoiled entitlement, which may not be appropriate for simple acts of childishness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brat" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or an appositive to describe a person, usually a child, who exhibits spoiled, rude, or disrespectful behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

38%

Reference

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a brat" is a commonly used, informal noun phrase to describe someone, typically a child, who behaves in a spoiled, rude, or disrespectful manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase often carries a negative connotation, expressing disapproval or criticism of the person's behavior. While the phrase appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Wiki sources, it is most often found in informal settings. When using the term, it's important to consider the context and the potential harshness of the label, as it can be judgmental. Consider alternatives such as "spoiled child", "ill-mannered kid", or "rude youngster" depending on the specific aspect of the behavior you want to emphasize. Remember, labeling someone as "a brat" should be reserved for consistent patterns of spoiled and disrespectful behavior, not just isolated incidents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A spoiled brat

This version includes the adjective 'spoiled' for emphasis.

A spoiled child

This alternative is more direct and focuses on the aspect of being spoiled.

A disrespectful child

This emphasizes the lack of respect shown by the child.

An ill-mannered kid

This alternative emphasizes the lack of politeness and good manners.

A pampered child

This alternative highlights that the child has been given preferential treatment and excessive indulgence.

A rude youngster

This alternative focuses on the rudeness and youth of the person.

A demanding child

This focuses on the child's insistence on getting what they want.

A difficult child

This focuses on the challenges the child presents in terms of behavior.

A troublesome child

This focuses on the problems or difficulties caused by the child's behavior.

A cheeky kid

This alternative is slightly less harsh, implying playful impudence.

FAQs

How can I use "a brat" in a sentence?

You can use "a brat" to describe someone, typically a child, who behaves in a spoiled, rude, or inconsiderate manner. For example, "The little boy was acting like "a brat", demanding candy and throwing a tantrum when he didn't get it."

What are some alternatives to saying "a brat"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "spoiled child", "ill-mannered kid", or "rude youngster". Each of these highlights slightly different aspects of the negative behavior.

Is it too harsh to call someone "a brat"?

The term "a brat" can be considered harsh, as it implies a strongly negative judgment about someone's character and behavior. Consider the severity of the behavior and your relationship with the person before using this term.

What's the difference between "a brat" and "a spoiled child"?

While the terms are very similar, "a brat" often carries a stronger connotation of active rudeness and disregard for others, whereas "spoiled child" may simply imply someone who is excessively indulged.