Crossword Genius

Not little darlings so much as big-headed rotters! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brats

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'not little darlings so much' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'big-headed rotters' is the wordplay.
'big-headed' becomes 'b' (this could be a standard abbreviation which I don't know about).
'rotters' becomes 'rats' ('rat' can be a synonym of 'rotter').
'b'+'rats'='BRATS'

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for brats that I've seen is " naughty kids".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app