Prat vs. Brat — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 16, 2024
Prat refers to a fool or an idiot, emphasizing foolish behavior, whereas brat describes a badly behaved child, focusing on manners and discipline.
Difference Between Prat and Brat
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Prat is often used to describe someone acting foolishly or making decisions that lack judgment, while brat is typically used to describe a child or occasionally an elder whose behavior is considered rude or undisciplined.
Prat connotes a lack of wisdom or intelligence in actions or words, whereas brat implies spoiled or self-centered behavior, often resulting from inadequate parenting or indulgence.
Prat often carries a slightly humorous or light-hearted tone when used, whereas brat can be more derogatory and critical, highlighting negative traits.
Prat is mainly used in British English, reflecting a specific cultural context, whereas brat is widely recognized and used in both American and British English, making it more universally understood.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A foolish or stupid person
A poorly behaved child
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Connotation
Humorous, light-hearted
Derogatory, critical
Usage
More common in British English
Common in both American and British English
Typical age implication
Not age-specific
Typically associated with children
Context of use
Describes actions or behavior
Describes behavior due to upbringing or temperament
Compare with Definitions
Prat
Informal term for idiot.
I can't believe you did that, what a prat!
Brat
A term for an ill-mannered adolescent.
The teenager was a brat, disrespecting his elders.
Prat
A foolish person.
He looked like a prat wearing those oversized shoes.
Brat
Spoiled or pampered child.
She's a real brat, never satisfied with her toys.
Prat
A term used to describe silly behavior.
Running around the pool, he was acting like a complete prat.
Brat
Used to describe undisciplined youngsters.
The brat threw his food all over the floor.
Prat
Someone lacking judgment.
She felt like a prat after locking herself out of the house.
Brat
A misbehaving child.
That child is such a brat, always screaming in the store.
Prat
Mildly derogatory for a person making mistakes.
He's such a prat, always messing things up.
Brat
Pejorative for a child lacking in discipline.
Managing such a brat at parties is always challenging.
Prat
(Slang) The buttocks.
Brat
A child, especially a spoiled or ill-mannered one.
Prat
Chiefly British Slang A person who is incompetent and stupid.
Brat
A child of a career military person.
Prat
A cunning or mischievous trick; a prank, a joke.
Brat
A bratwurst.
Prat
(slang) A buttock, or the buttocks; a person's bottom.
Brat
(slang) A human child.
Prat
A fool.
Brat
A child who is regarded as mischievous, unruly, spoiled, or selfish.
Get that little brat away from me!
Prat
(slang) The female genitals.
Brat
(slang) A child (at any age) of an active military service member.
An army brat
Prat
(obsolete) Cunning, astute.
Brat
A turbot or flatfish.
Prat
The fleshy part of the human body that you sit on;
He deserves a good kick in the butt
Are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?
Brat
(historic) A rough cloak or ragged garment.
Brat
A coarse kind of apron for keeping the clothes clean; a bib.
Brat
(obsolete) The young of an animal.
Brat
(informal) Bratwurst.
Brat
To act in a bratty manner (as the submissive).
Brat
A coarse garment or cloak; also, coarse clothing, in general.
Brat
A coarse kind of apron for keeping the clothes clean; a bib.
Brat
A child; an offspring; - formerly used in a good sense, but now usually in a contemptuous sense.
O Israel! O household of the Lord!O Abraham's brats! O brood of blessed seed!
Brat
The young of an animal.
Brat
A thin bed of coal mixed with pyrites or carbonate of lime.
Brat
A very troublesome child
Brat
A small pork sausage
Common Curiosities
How is brat different from prat?
A brat refers to a poorly behaved child, often spoiled or ill-mannered, whereas a prat describes general foolish behavior without age implications.
Are there synonyms for prat?
Yes, synonyms include fool, idiot, and buffoon.
In what contexts is it appropriate to use prat?
It’s often used in informal, casual contexts, particularly within British English.
Are there synonyms for brat?
Yes, synonyms include imp, spoilt child, and pest.
Is brat always negative?
Yes, brat generally has a negative connotation, describing negative aspects of a child’s behavior.
Can prat be a term of endearment?
Sometimes, prat can be used affectionately among friends.
Can prat be used for children?
Yes, prat can be used for any age group, although it doesn’t specifically imply youth as brat does.
In what contexts is brat used?
Brat is used to describe behavior, often in discussions about parenting or child behavior.
What is a prat?
A prat is a term used to describe a foolish or stupid person, often engaging in silly or unwise behavior.
What is the origin of the term prat?
Prat comes from old English, originally meaning a trick, which evolved into a term for a foolish person.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
