bratpack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, journalistic, sometimes derogatory.
Quick answer
What does “bratpack” mean?
A close-knit, often influential, and sometimes troublesome group of young celebrities or people in a particular field, known for their fame, success, and sometimes arrogant or rebellious behavior.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A close-knit, often influential, and sometimes troublesome group of young celebrities or people in a particular field, known for their fame, success, and sometimes arrogant or rebellious behavior.
Can refer to any exclusive, showy, and often cliquish group of young people, typically in media, arts, or business, whose members are seen as privileged, precocious, or undisciplined.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a US cultural export, now understood in both varieties. The original 1980s 'Brat Pack' was a US film phenomenon. UK usage may refer more generally to any young, flashy in-group.
Connotations
In both, implies media-savvy, mutual promotion, and a degree of unearned privilege. Slightly more nostalgic/pop-culture reference in US due to original film context.
Frequency
More frequent in US media and pop culture commentary. In UK, used but less culturally embedded.
Grammar
How to Use “bratpack” in a Sentence
the [PLACE/INDUSTRY] bratpacka bratpack of [NOUN (people)]to be part of the bratpackVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bratpack” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The young actors were said to be bratpacking around Soho.
- They bratpacked their way through the festival circuit.
American English
- The directors bratpacked together after film school.
- They spent the 90s bratpacking around Hollywood.
adjective
British English
- He had a certain bratpack charm.
- The magazine described the bratpack era with nostalgia.
American English
- That bratpack vibe is all over their new startup.
- She dismissed his bratpack attitude.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically for groups of young, high-flying executives perceived as arrogant.
Academic
Rare; might appear in cultural studies or media criticism papers.
Everyday
Used in conversation about celebrities, successful young people, or nostalgic 80s culture.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bratpack”
- Using it for any group of friends (it requires a connotation of fame/influence/privilege).
- Spelling as two words (*brat pack*) when using as a single noun compound.
- Assuming it's always negative; it can be used fondly in nostalgia.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It originated from a 1985 New York magazine article about a group of young Hollywood actors, most notably starring in 1980s teen films like 'The Breakfast Club' and 'St. Elmo's Fire'.
Not always, but often. It typically carries connotations of arrogance, privilege, and exclusivity. However, it can be used neutrally or even nostalgically to refer to a specific cultural moment or group.
Yes. While it originated in Hollywood, it is now used metaphorically for any influential, youthful, and cliquish group in fields like finance, technology, publishing, or fashion.
When used as a noun to label such a group, the closed compound 'bratpack' (or historically 'Brat Pack') is standard. As a descriptive phrase, 'a pack of brats' would be separate words.
A close-knit, often influential, and sometimes troublesome group of young celebrities or people in a particular field, known for their fame, success, and sometimes arrogant or rebellious behavior.
Bratpack is usually informal, journalistic, sometimes derogatory. in register.
Bratpack: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbræt.pæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbræt.pæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A bratpack of wunderkinds.”
- “The bratpack mentality.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'pack' of spoiled 'brats' who became famous together.
Conceptual Metaphor
YOUNG SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE SPOILED CHILDREN. A PROFESSIONAL GROUP IS A PACK (OF ANIMALS).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bratpack' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?