spoiled rotten

USAGE SUMMARY

"spoiled rotten" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who's been excessively indulged by their parents or guardians, typically to their detriment. For example, "The youngest member of the Royal Family was spoiled rotten by her grandmother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Our kids were spoiled rotten".

The New Yorker

They are spoiled rotten here.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's spoiled rotten," Mr. Burrows noted.

The New York Times - Tech

She told police, "Our kids were spoiled rotten".

The New Yorker

(Nor should a hipster ever admit to being one; Mr. McInnes says hipsters are "spoiled rotten").

The New York Times - Style

"My mom's spoiled rotten, so she's going to want to fly first class home or something, so I've got to keep winning," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

(Is Almodóvar, who comes from a rural, working-class background, taking this hardworking lad more seriously than he should?) Luckily, the well-heeled Antonio isn't held down by virtue, and the actor Antonio Banderas gets to suggest a little of the spoiled-rotten instability of Bellocchio's pug-dog hero (Lou Castel) in "Fists in the Pocket".

The New Yorker

Let's get her in here".' Despite its pouty sylph of a female lead and perky animal sidekicks, "Darcy's Wild Life" originated not from the spoiled-rotten antics of Paris Hilton in "The Simple Life" but rather from "the magical history of literature about girls and horses, from 'Black Beauty' to 'National Velvet,"' Mr. Rogow said.

The New York Times

"I am a spoiled-rotten rock star," Bono, the Irish singer who has campaigned against AIDS and for debt relief for poor countries, told some 2,500 participants in the opening session of the five-day gathering of movers, shakers, deep-thinkers and deal-makers.

The New York Times

JEANNETTE CATSOULIS WHAT WOULD JESUS BUY? Opens today in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco Directed by Rob VanAlkemade 90 minutes For some of the parents interviewed in Rob VanAlkemade's fast and funny documentary "What Would Jesus Buy?" the answer to the question posed by the title is simple: whatever gadget of the moment their spoiled-rotten kids are craving.

The New York Times

We've never seen so many spoiled-rotten poshos in one place.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spoiled rotten," consider the context and audience. While widely understood, it can be perceived as judgmental or critical.

Common error

Avoid using "spoiled rotten" lightly. The phrase carries a strong connotation of negative upbringing and can be insensitive if misapplied to someone facing genuine hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spoiled rotten" functions primarily as a compound adjective used to describe a noun, typically a person or group of people. Ludwig's examples show it modifies "kids", "pet", and more. It indicates that the subject has been excessively indulged, often to their detriment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spoiled rotten" is a commonly used compound adjective that describes someone excessively indulged, often leading to negative character traits. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage, as seen in various news and media outlets. While widely understood, remember that the phrase carries a negative connotation and should be used thoughtfully, particularly when describing individuals facing complex circumstances. Alternatives such as "overindulged" or "coddled" may be suitable depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overindulged

Highlights the act of being given too many treats and privileges.

given everything they want

Highlights the lack of restriction in receiving desires.

excessively pampered

Emphasizes the high degree of care and attention received.

used to getting their way

Emphasizes a history of always achieving desired outcomes.

coddled

Focuses on being protected and treated with extreme care.

entitled

Highlights the belief that one deserves special treatment.

pampered beyond belief

Stresses the exceptional extent of the pampering.

treated like royalty

Compares the treatment to that of a royal person, emphasizing privilege.

lacking discipline

Focuses on the absence of rules and boundaries.

suffering from affluenza

Connects overindulgence with potential psychological issues.

FAQs

How can I use "spoiled rotten" in a sentence?

You can use "spoiled rotten" to describe someone who has been excessively indulged, often leading to negative traits like entitlement or a lack of appreciation. For example, "The child was "spoiled rotten" by his grandparents and expected everything to be handed to him."

What are some alternatives to saying "spoiled rotten"?

Alternatives include "overindulged", "excessively pampered", or "coddled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be described as "spoiled rotten"?

Yes, the phrase "spoiled rotten" almost always carries a negative connotation, implying that excessive indulgence has led to undesirable character traits or behaviors.

What are the origins of the phrase "spoiled rotten"?

The phrase "spoiled rotten" likely originated from the idea of food that has decayed due to being improperly preserved. In this context, it suggests that someone's character has been corrupted or ruined by excessive pampering and lack of discipline.