Collins Dictionary Names “Brat” as 2024 Word of the Year

The term “Brat” has been designated as Collins Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year. It is defined as an individual possessing a “confident, independent and hedonistic attitude” and draws inspiration from Charli XCX. What began as the title of her chart-topping album has, for some, evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with individuals embracing the “brat way of life.” Notably, the campaign team for US presidential candidate Kamala Harris implemented a “brat” rebrand for her social media presence this summer, aiming to appeal to younger voters at the outset of her campaign. Collins’ lexicographers, responsible for compiling their dictionaries, analyze social media and various other sources to identify words for inclusion in their yearly compilation of new and significant terms. “Brat” is also the title of Charli’s sixth studio album, which has gained traction since its June release this year, propelled by both its original songs and subsequent remixes. The track “Guess” has achieved the greatest commercial success, reaching number one in August following the release of a remix featuring Billie Eilish. According to the singer, a “Brat” is a girl who “has a breakdown, but kind of like parties through it,” characterized as honest, blunt, and “a little bit volatile.” She further elaborated on the BBC’s Sidetracked podcast that a “brat” individual might possess “a pack of cigs, a Bic lighter and a strappy white top with no bra.” The development of this aesthetic has gained popularity on TikTok, with Charli’s “brat girl summer” being perceived as a counter-movement to trends such as the “clean girl” aesthetic, which emphasizes a feminine and well-groomed appearance. The “Brat” concept also embodies hedonism and rebellion, which Charli states was influenced by her early experiences performing at illegal raves, presenting a distinct contrast to other prevalent aesthetics that promote domesticity and a wholesome lifestyle. “Era” is another term included in this year’s list, drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, which toured the UK and Europe during the current year. The Collins team has defined it as “a period of one’s life or career that is of a distinctive character.” A significant number of the words featured on this year’s list have been popularized by Generation Z, individuals born between 1995 and 2012, and even Generation Alpha, who are currently up to 10 or 11 years of age. Collins attributes much of the proliferation of new words and phrases to social media platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat. “Yapping,” defined as talking extensively about trivial matters, and “delulu,” referring to having unrealistic expectations, are also included in this year’s selection. Despite a year marked by global elections, only one political term, “supermajority,” has been added to this list. It is defined as a “large majority in a legislative assembly that enables a government to pass laws without effective scrutiny” and gained prominence around the UK general election in July. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.