The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word BRATS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
B
R
A
T
S
Buddy explains!
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BRATS mean?
BRATS noun- A child who is regarded as mischievous, unruly, spoiled, or selfish.
- A son or daughter (at any age) of an active military service member.
- A turbot or flatfish
- A rough cloak or ragged garment
- A coarse kind of apron for keeping the clothes clean; a bib.
- The young of an animal.
- Bratwurst
- A thin bed of coal mixed with pyrites or carbonate of lime.