A young, mischievous child or a small impish creature in folklore.
From Middle English brat (child, often with negative connotations) plus the diminutive suffix -ling. The term blends the idea of a troublesome child with the endearing quality of the -ling suffix, creating a term that's scolding but slightly affectionate.
Medieval writers used 'bratling' to describe the mischievous characters in folk tales who were neither fully bad nor fully good—like a proto-Puck from Shakespeare, these creatures embodied childhood chaos.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.