What does prat mean?
A prat is a person regarded with contempt as foolish, irritating, or unworthy of serious attention. The word is informal and commonly functions as a straightforward insult, especially in British English, where it can be used to dismiss someone as stupid or foolish. Although it may be exchanged jokingly between people who know one another well, it can sound harsh or offensive when used in public or in a professional setting. In older usage, the word could refer to a trick or piece of roguery, but its dominant modern sense is an insulting label for a person. The short, emphatic pronunciation adds to its bluntness, making it a useful example of everyday English vocabulary whose force comes from directness rather than elaborate insult.
nounAn insulting term for a person regarded as foolish, contemptible, or deserving of ridicule.
- An insulting term for a person regarded as foolish, contemptible, or deserving of ridicule.
"They dismissed the prat who had suggested such an obvious shortcut."
"What a prat he was to ignore the warning signs."
"The committee dismissed the proposal as the work of a pair of prats."
The plural is “prats.”
"The report described the officials as a group of prats."
A memorable insult with a deliberately blunt, dismissive sound: calling someone a prat is to dismiss them as a fool rather than merely criticize their actions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prat come from?
The precise origin of “prat” is uncertain, and historical dictionaries have proposed connections with older dialect and Irish forms meaning a trick or piece of knavery. Its older sense developed into the modern, chiefly British insulting meaning for a foolish or contemptible person.
How prat is actually used
Informal and usually insulting; it is more common in British English than in American English. It can be playful among close friends, but is generally considered rude in formal or public contexts.
Easily confused with prat
A brat is a child or young person whose behaviour is considered irritating or badly behaved, whereas a prat is a contemptible or foolish person of any age.