Spoiled Brat: Definition and Synonyms
Spoiled Brat – Definition and Part of Speech
The term spoiled brat refers to a child who behaves badly due to being indulged by their parents or guardians excessively. It is typically used as a noun phrase and conveys both a sense of immaturity and ingratitude in behavior. This expression often carries a negative tone, implying that the child has developed undesirable traits through overindulgence.
Core Synonyms
Below are some synonyms for “spoiled brat,” each with a brief explanation to highlight its nuance, an example sentence for context, and notes on style or register:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| entitled child | A child who expects privileges without effort. | “The entitled child threw a tantrum when she didn’t get her way.” | Formal/Casual |
| mollycoddle | Slang for someone overly indulged, often used as a verb or noun. | “He’s such a mollycoddle; his parents do everything for him.” | Informal |
| brat | General term for a badly behaved child. | “The brat was grounded after the incident.” | Slang/Informal |
| prima donna | Originally used to describe an important opera singer, now indicates someone who demands attention and privileges. | “She acted like a prima donna at the meeting.” | Formal/Casual |
| high-maintenance child | Refers to a child that requires extensive time and resources. | “Raising a high-maintenance child can be exhausting.” | Business/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Entitled Child: This term is suitable for both casual conversations and formal writing, such as in psychology or parenting articles. It emphasizes the child’s expectations over their actual behavior.
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Mollycoddle: Commonly used in informal contexts, this term can be applied to children and adults alike who are overly pampered. Its dual role as a verb (to mollycoddle) adds versatility.
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Brat: A straightforward, somewhat harsh synonym often used colloquially or informally. It lacks the depth of behavioral context that “spoiled brat” implies but is widely recognized.
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Prima Donna: Although it originally referred to an opera singer, its modern use as a metaphor for demanding people applies to both children and adults in various contexts, including business environments where attitude matters.
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High-Maintenance Child: This term is especially useful in parenting discussions or professional articles about child development. It highlights the effort and resources required rather than focusing solely on behavior.
Common Pitfalls
A common misunderstanding lies in using these synonyms interchangeably without considering their connotations:
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Mollycoddle as a verb versus noun can be confusing; it’s important to clarify whether you’re describing an action or labeling someone.
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Prima donna is sometimes mistakenly thought to only apply to children when, in fact, it has broad applicability.
Final Recap
To recap, “spoiled brat” and its synonyms—entitled child, mollycoddle, brat, prima donna, and high-maintenance child—all convey notions of overindulgence leading to undesirable behavior. Each term carries unique nuances that make them suitable for different contexts:
- Entitled Child is versatile across formal and casual settings.
- Mollycoddle works well informally as a noun or verb.
- Brat suits informal speech with its directness.
- Prima Donna is adaptable to both child-related scenarios and broader adult applications.
- High-Maintenance Child focuses on the demands of parenting.
To enhance your vocabulary, try using these synonyms in sentences or conversations. Understanding their subtle differences will help you communicate more effectively across various contexts.