The word “brat” ignited a cultural revolution this summer and made a lasting impression on 2024. The Collins Dictionary named “brat” its Word of the Year on Friday, describing it as a “cultural phenomenon” that has caught on worldwide.
Following the June release of British musician Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, Brat, the term’s usage skyrocketed. With its hedonistic spirit and vibrant, green design, the record swiftly sparked a global movement known as “brat summer.” From social media memes to storefront branding and campaigns like Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, the term became more than just a word; it became a way of life.
A brat is defined by the Collins Dictionary as having “a self-assurance, independence, and extravagant attitude.” Instead of the world’s conventionally negative meaning, Charli XCX and her followers welcomed it as a celebration of individuality. A brat is “honest, blunt, and a little bit volatile,” according to Charli XCX. In 2024, a year that Collins claimed combined “hedonism and anxiety into an intoxicating brew,” the concept struck a profound chord.
There were other pop culture-inspired terms that were considered for Word of the Year besides “brat.” In reference to Taylor Swift’s historic Eras Tour, Collins shortlisted the word “era.” Other candidates represented the linguistic inventiveness and social tendencies of the year, such as:
“Brain Rot”: an inability to process information.
“Delulu”: A lighthearted way of saying that someone is unduly hopeful or misguided.
“Looksmaxing” is the endeavor to improve one’s physical attractiveness.
In conclusion “Brat” captures the essence of 2024, from its ascent through Charli XCX’s music to its acceptance as a universal philosophy. According to the Collins Dictionary, the word not only denotes a movement but also captures the spirit of the year: audacious, unrepentant, and wonderfully rebellious.
