prat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (in UK informal contexts); Very Low (in US contexts)Informal, Slang, Potentially Offensive/Vulgar
Quick answer
What does “prat” mean?
A foolish, incompetent, or contemptible person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A foolish, incompetent, or contemptible person.
Primarily a British slang insult for someone perceived as stupid, annoying, or inept. Can also refer to the buttocks in very informal, often humorous contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Overwhelmingly British/Irish/Commonwealth slang. In American English, it is very rarely used and would likely be misunderstood or sound like an affectation.
Connotations
UK: Common, familiar insult, though still informal. US: Virtually unknown; if used, may be perceived as trying to sound British.
Frequency
Common in UK spoken informal English and media; extremely rare in US English outside of exposure to British media.
Grammar
How to Use “prat” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a [prat].[Subject] made a prat of [himself/herself/themselves].Don't be such a [prat].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prat” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He made a right prat of himself at the party.
- Don't listen to him, he's a complete prat.
American English
- (Rare) After watching British TV, she jokingly called her brother a prat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate. Could be considered harassment.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used informally among friends in the UK, often humorously. Can cause offense if misapplied.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prat”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it in American contexts expecting to be understood.
- Overestimating its severity; it's not as strong as 'c***' but stronger than 'silly'.
- Confusing it with 'brat' (a spoiled child).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal slang and can be mildly offensive, but it is not generally classified among the strongest swear words. Its acceptability depends heavily on context and company.
Virtually never in natural speech. An American using it would likely be mimicking British speech or referencing British culture.
'Prat' is more informal and British-specific. It often carries a connotation of foolishness combined with unlikeability or pretentiousness, whereas 'idiot' is more universal and focuses on lack of intelligence.
Yes, but this usage is less common, more vulgar, and often humorous (e.g., 'He fell on his prat'). The meaning 'fool' is far more prevalent.
A foolish, incompetent, or contemptible person.
Prat is usually informal, slang, potentially offensive/vulgar in register.
Prat: in British English it is pronounced /præt/, and in American English it is pronounced /præt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “prat about/around (UK): to behave in a silly, time-wasting way.”
- “make a prat of oneself: to do something that makes one look foolish.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RAT who is a PRoblem - a PRAT is a problematic, foolish person.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOOL IS A WORTHLESS OBJECT (you 'prat'). A PERSON IS A BODY PART (calling someone a 'prat' reduces them to a buttock).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'prat' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?