brat etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle Low German: brat, meaning "roast meat"
  • Old High German: braten, meaning "to roast"
  • Proto-Germanic: *braþaną, meaning "to roast"

Meaning:

  • A mischievous or unruly child
  • A small child
  • A spoiled or pampered child

Origin:

The word "brat" originally referred to meat that had been roasted or grilled. It was often used to describe the leftovers or scraps of roasted meat.

In the 15th century, the term began to be figuratively applied to people, specifically to naughty or ill-behaved children. The association with roasted meat may have arisen from the idea that such children were like scraps or leftovers that annoyed others.

Over time, the word "brat" lost its association with meat and became a more general term for any young child, often with a negative connotation. It can imply that a child is spoiled, disrespectful, or disobedient.

Today, the word "brat" is still used to describe children who display unruly or irritating behavior, but it can also be used affectionately or even playfully.

brat relate terms

  • bratty

    Etymology The word bratty is derived from the Middle English word brat which itself

  • brat

    Etymology Middle Low German brat meaning roast meat Old High German braten meanin

  • girl

    Etymology The word girl is derived from the Middle English word girl which in turn

  • brat

    Etymology Middle Low German brat meaning roast meat Old High German braten meanin

  • lass

    Etymology The word lass derives from two possible sources Old English las meani

  • maiden

    Etymology The word maiden is derived from the Middle English word mayden which in tu

  • bratwurst

    Etymology German Bratwurst Derived from Middle Low German brātwurst meaning roast

  • terror

    Etymology Terror derives from the Latin word terror meaning extreme fear dread Th

  • cognate

    Etymology Cognate derives from the Latin word cognatus meaning born together or re

  • rapscallion

    Etymology Rap Scallion Meaning A mischievous or rascally person Origin The word

  • rascal

    Etymology Old French rascaille meaning rabble riffraff Vulgar Latin rascalis mean

  • little

    Etymology Little is from Middle English litel which is from Old English lytel mean

  • holy

    Etymology The word holy originates from the Old English word hālġ which means sac