To wonder if 'free spirited' is a euphemism for 'spoilt unruly brat'

[Vintagejazz]

Twice recently I have heard children being described to their parents as 'free spirited' ie 'oh Emily is a real free spirit isn't she'?
and then been told privately 'oh my God you should have been at that wedding. Emily is an absolute brat'.

Just wondering if this is now a common term used to politely tell parents that you think their child is an annoying, unruly little pest?

I've never heard anyone aside from the afflicted parent refer to their demonic spawn as a "free spirit".

Everyone else calls them a spoiled wee shite, although usually not in the parent's hearing.

I've yet to hear it in real life but yes I believe so!

I've only heard it on here, so don't really believe it's used. Mostly children are called brats, just that.

In fact, I don't think I've ever heard anyone refer to their own child - let anyone else's - as a "free spirit" or "creative".

But then, this is Glasgow.

I promise, these children were described to their parents as 'free spirited' in my hearing, and later described to me as brats whose parents sat back and allowed them to do what they liked.

Pumpkin, no we tend to call them "wild", don't we?

Pumpkin, no we tend to call them "wild", don't we?

I also heard one of the same children being described as 'a real live wire'.

I have a mummy acquaintance whose child isn't a brat, he's just super advanced for his age (3) and he should really go to school in Sept despite not being 4 until November. Apparently school will help him learn to behave by harnessing his intellectual energy and he won't have to beat up other kids from frustration.

I'm really hoping he isn't in the same class as DD when school comes around.

I've heard it said in real life

Just as 'Emily's' Mum was standing in the street telling me her teacher doesn't understand what a 'free spirit' she is, said 5yr old child was literally 3/4 of the way up a window cleaners ladder!

She eventually talked her down and then told her what a brave girl she was and how she would take her wall climbing, at the local soft play centre

Her poor fucking teacher!

I've not heard that, but everyone I have found when people describe their children as "wilful", the child is generally very badly behaved and there is no discipline in the household

A parent described their very stroppy 3 year old to me as a 'free spirit'.
It turned out to mean that he won't cooperate with having his nappy changed but won't use a potty or toilet either

"Free spirit" is a euphemism for uncontrollable, yes, but it´s quite a positive one (like "gutsy").

Free spirit is having quirky interests, not acting like a brat.

But do the people who say it to a parent mean it in a postive way I wonder?

But then, this is Glasgow.

I think it's one of those ones that can be a compliment, but is more often than not code for total wee brat.

Hmm. If I have had a lovely time with a child I will say tell the parent how kind, fun, chatty or whatever they are. Free spirited is a little open to interpretation. She's a real live wire, on the other hand, is unambiguous in its meaning

I'm another one who has heard 'a real livewire' used to describe dd.

I think that and free spirit are the same.

Yes, it describes a bit of a wild child, but also a lively and bold and characterful child.

One that doesn't necessarily conform.One who will approach life with enthusiasm and gusto.

To me 'livewire' means full of energy

But when I hear 'free spirit', I hear 'doesn't do as they're told/badly behaved'.

One of my children was described by a preschool teacher as 'spirited' so hope it isn't code for a brat...she was only 18 months at the time and didn't even attend the preschool just there to pick up my eldest. I think she is spirited not a brat, but I guess I'm maybe a bit biased!

I think worras got it in one

I think 'wild child' is another euphemism - parents of said child picture her growing up to be a bare footed, straw hatted bohemian with an eclectic mix of arty friends. Acquaintances of said child picture her growing up to be something very different.

I have only heard it in a tongue in cheek way, in rl and on here, I use it for my Dts when they're not doing what they're bloody well told.

Not in a "oh sweet little Snark, you're such a spirited lively soul" way, more like a "they have been really fucking.....spirited today" way.
Not that I don't have any control over them, I do most of the time, or at least I think I do. Maybe they just lull me in to a false sense of security to fuck with me.

Worra said it, a live wire is an excitable energetic kid. May or may not be badly behaved.

"Free spirit", however, is a polite euphemism for "brat".