bratty

American  

[brat-ee] / ˈbræt i /

adjective

brattier, brattiest

1. characteristic of or resembling a brat; impudent; ill-mannered.

   bratty remarks; bratty tricks.

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Usage

What does bratty mean? Bratty describes someone or something considered to be ill-mannered, rude, impolite, or overly irritatingly.The term is often used to be hurtful or judgemental of the one being labeled bratty. The person using the term usually disapproves of someone’s actions, whether or not those actions are breaking social conventions.While children are most often the ones labeled as brats and being bratty, adults and animals can also be labeled as brats and being bratty. You might even hear objects, such as a computer or a car, being called bratty when it isn’t working as expected. Brattiness is sometimes associated with rebellion or indecency, particularly in regards to children. Sometimes, you’ll hear someone call themselves bratty to make fun of themselves or to apologize for something they did. Example: My bratty computer keeps shutting down for no reason!

Etymology

Origin of bratty

brat + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“I don’t want to sound bratty because I am on an island, but we plan for one vacation once a year,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

Some of the show’s most delicious moments feature Olyphant’s android responding to its bratty creator’s slight by simply staring at him with a tinge of menace before acknowledging his demand.

From Salon • Sep. 8, 2025

Maynes remembers Combs having a short fuse in the office, sometimes banging "his hands up against the desk" like a "bratty kid" and yelling if he did not get his way.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2025

You need someone to stare down bratty antics or blow up misinformation?

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2024

The talk turns mundane at times, with complaints of low pay, hard hours, bratty children.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett