Brat vs. Imp — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
A brat typically refers to a child displaying annoyingly spoiled behavior, while an imp is a small, mischievous demon or sprite.
Difference Between Brat and Imp
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A brat is generally used to describe a child whose behavior is considered overly spoiled or undisciplined by societal standards, often exhibiting tantrums or disrespectful attitudes. Whereas, an imp often appears in folklore and mythology as a small demon associated with mischief and playful annoyance, not confined to human form.
While the term "brat" carries a negative connotation and is used to criticize a child’s behavior in real-life contexts, an imp is more fantastical and relates to mythical narratives, symbolizing chaos and minor trouble in stories.
Brats are usually associated with real situations involving children in family, school, or public settings, highlighting behavioral issues that need correction. On the other hand, imps are typically depicted in artistic and literary works, serving as characters that add a humorous or challenging element to the plot.
In describing a brat, one might focus on specific behaviors like stubbornness or refusal to follow rules. Meanwhile, describing an imp might include their tricky nature and their role in causing harmless pranks or leading characters astray.
The perception of a brat is often tied to parenting styles or environmental influences, suggesting a potential for change in behavior. Conversely, an imp’s characteristics are intrinsic to its being, integral to its role in folklore and storytelling.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A child with spoiled behavior.
A small, mischievous demon.
Origin of Concept
Social and behavioral.
Mythological and folkloric.
Behavior
Annoying, disobedient.
Playful, mischievous.
Context
Real-world settings.
Fantastical, fictional settings.
Changeability
Behavior can be corrected.
Nature is intrinsic and fixed.
Compare with Definitions
Brat
Often used to describe someone immature or spoiled.
His brat behavior at parties was becoming a concern.
Imp
Often depicted as cunning and elusive.
The imp outwitted them at every turn.
Brat
Sometimes used affectionately among family.
Oh, you’re being such a brat today!
Imp
A small demon associated with mischief.
The imp hid their shoes as a prank.
Brat
Can imply neediness or attention-seeking.
The brat wouldn’t stop crying until he got the ice cream.
Imp
Symbolizes playful trouble or minor evil.
An imp was blamed for all the lost items.
Brat
A child who behaves selfishly or disruptively.
She called him a brat after he threw his toys out of anger.
Imp
Frequently appears in tales and mythology.
The forest was said to be home to a thousand imps.
Brat
Reflects negatively on discipline or upbringing.
They whispered that he was a brat, always ignoring his parents.
Imp
Sometimes serves as a comic relief in stories.
The imp’s antics brought lightness to the dark tale.
Brat
A child, especially a spoiled or ill-mannered one.
Imp
An imp is a European mythological being similar to a fairy or demon, frequently described in folklore and superstition. The word may perhaps derive from the term ympe, used to denote a young grafted tree.
Brat
A child of a career military person.
Imp
A mischievous child.
Brat
A bratwurst.
Imp
A small demon.
Brat
(slang) A human child.
Imp
(Obsolete) A graft.
Brat
A child who is regarded as mischievous, unruly, spoiled, or selfish.
Get that little brat away from me!
Imp
To graft (new feathers) onto the wing of a trained falcon or hawk to repair damage or increase flying capacity.
Brat
(slang) A child (at any age) of an active military service member.
An army brat
Imp
To furnish with wings.
Brat
A turbot or flatfish.
Imp
(obsolete) To engraft or plant (a plant or part of one, a sapling, etc.).
Brat
(historic) A rough cloak or ragged garment.
Imp
To graft or implant (something other than a plant); to fix or set (something) in.
Brat
A coarse kind of apron for keeping the clothes clean; a bib.
Imp
To engraft (a feather) on to a broken feather in a bird's wing or tail to repair it; to engraft (feathers) on to a bird, or a bird's wing or tail.
Brat
(obsolete) The young of an animal.
Imp
(by extension)
Brat
(informal) Bratwurst.
Imp
To provide (someone or something) with wings, hence enabling them or it to soar.
Brat
To act in a bratty manner (as the submissive).
Imp
To add to or unite a object with (something) to lengthen the latter out or repair it; to eke out, enlarge, strengthen.
Brat
A coarse garment or cloak; also, coarse clothing, in general.
Imp
A small, mischievous sprite or a malevolent supernatural creature, somewhat comparable to a demon but smaller and less powerful, formerly regarded as the child of the devil or a demon (see sense 3.2).
Brat
A coarse kind of apron for keeping the clothes clean; a bib.
Imp
(by extension)
Brat
A child; an offspring; - formerly used in a good sense, but now usually in a contemptuous sense.
O Israel! O household of the Lord!O Abraham's brats! O brood of blessed seed!
Imp
A mischievous child.
Brat
The young of an animal.
Imp
A baby Tasmanian devil.
Brat
A thin bed of coal mixed with pyrites or carbonate of lime.
Imp
(obsolete)
Brat
A very troublesome child
Imp
A young shoot of a plant, a tree, etc.; a sapling; also, a part of a plant used for grafting; a graft.
Brat
A small pork sausage
Imp
An offspring or scion, especially of a noble family; (generally) a (usually male) child; a (young) man.
Imp
Something added to or united with another to lengthen it out or repair it (such as an eke or small stand on which a beehive is placed, or a length of twisted hair in a fishing line).
Imp
A shoot; a scion; a bud; a slip; a graft.
Imp
An offspring; progeny; child; scion.
The tender imp was weaned.
Imp
A young or inferior devil; a little, malignant spirit; a puny demon; a contemptible evil worker.
To mingle in the clamorous frayOf squabbling imps.
Imp
Something added to, or united with, another, to lengthen it out or repair it, - as, an addition to a beehive; a feather inserted in a broken wing of a bird; a length of twisted hair in a fishing line.
Imp
To graft; to insert as a scion.
Imp
To graft with new feathers, as a wing; to splice a broken feather.
Imp out our drooping country's broken wing.
Who lazily imp their wings with other men's plumes.
Here no frail Muse shall imp her crippled wing.
Help, ye tart satirists, to imp my rageWith all the scorpions that should whip this age.
Imp
(folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
Imp
One who is playfully mischievous
Common Curiosities
Are imps considered evil?
Imps are usually considered mischievous rather than truly evil; they are more playful than harmful.
How do you deal with a brat?
Dealing with a brat often involves setting clear boundaries and consistent discipline.
What is a brat?
A child known for spoiled or undisciplined behavior.
What is an imp?
A small, mischievous creature from folklore, often depicted as a demon or sprite.
Do imps have powers?
In folklore, imps can have various magical powers, though they are generally minor compared to more powerful demons.
How do societal views affect the perception of a brat?
Societal norms and values greatly influence what behaviors are considered bratty.
Is "brat" an insult?
Yes, calling someone a brat is typically intended as an insult.
Can imps be helpful?
In some stories, imps may help characters achieve their goals, albeit usually in tricky ways.
Are all children who misbehave called brats?
Not necessarily; the term "brat" is usually reserved for consistently poor behavior.
Why might parents worry if their child is called a brat?
Being labeled a brat can imply poor parenting skills or reflect negatively on the child’s future social interactions.
What role do imps play in literature?
Imps often serve as tricksters or minor antagonists in literature, adding complexity or humor to the plot.
Is it possible to reform a brat?
Yes, with appropriate guidance and parenting, a brat’s behavior can be improved.
What famous stories feature imps?
Stories like Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" feature imp-like characters, such as Puck.
Do imps appear in religious texts?
Imps appear more in mythology and folklore than in mainstream religious texts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
