Brattier: meaning, definitions and examples
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brattier
[ ˈbrætɪər ]
describing behavior
The term 'brattier' is a comparative form of the adjective 'bratty', which describes a child who behaves in an annoying or spoiled manner. It implies a level of mischief or entitlement that is more pronounced than in a typical child. Brattier behavior often includes tantrums, disrespect, or manipulation, especially in situations where the child is seeking attention or indulgence from adults. This word is typically used to draw attention to a specific child's behavior compared to others.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She is acting brattier than usual today.
- The brattier kids at the party made it hard for others to enjoy.
- He seems brattier after receiving all those gifts.
- Her brattier behavior at the store annoyed the shoppers.
Etymology
The word 'bratty' originates from the word 'brat', which has its roots in the Old English term 'bratt,' meaning 'a cloak or a garment.' Initially, it referred to a child wrapped in a garment, but over time, its meaning evolved to denote a young child, often with negative connotations. By the late 19th century, 'brat' began to be commonly used to describe unruly or spoiled children, reflecting societal attitudes toward juvenile behavior. The extension to 'brattier' emerged as a means to compare the behavior of spoiled children, illustrating their increasingly troublesome demeanor. This transition from a neutral to negative connotation demonstrates societal shifts in the perception of childhood behavior and the expectations placed on children by their parents and society at large.