The term 'Brat', popularised by British singer Charli XCX, has officially been crowned Collins Dictionary's Word of the Year 2024. The term gained widespread attention earlier this year when Charli’s sixth album, Brat, inspired a trend that has since evolved into a cultural movement marked by confidence, independence, and a sense of hedonism.
'Brat' Named Collins Dictionary Word Of The Year 2024
As Charli XCX’s album Brat resonated with fans, the concept rapidly became a lifestyle movement, particularly celebrated on platforms like TikTok. Collins defines "brat" as "characterised by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude."
This idea has captivated a wide audience, especially throughout the summer of 2024, and has grown beyond an aesthetic to represent a statement of self-love, positive body image, and bold fashion choices. It stands in contrast to the prior "clean girl" aesthetic, which was associated with minimalism, wellness, and reserved styling.
Collins’ Selection Criteria
The team of lexicographers at Collins Dictionary, who monitor a 20-billion-word database of language usage across media, selected "brat" for its significant impact and popularity in 2024.
According to Collins, the word has become "one of the most talked about words of 2024," reflecting a shift in societal values and self-expression led by younger generations. Alex Beecroft, Collins Dictionary's managing director, noted, "This is the most ‘brat’ Word of the Year list ever," highlighting the word’s strong association with Gen Z and Generation Alpha.
Other Words on the List
The 2024 list also emphasises how popular culture is influenced by female musicians. "Era," a nod to Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, made it to the list. Collins defines it as "a period of one’s life or career that is of a distinctive character," capturing the nostalgia and impact of Swift's tour.
Additionally, words like "yapping," meaning speaking excessively on trivial topics, and "delulu," used to describe unrealistic beliefs or expectations, also ranked on the list. Another term, "rawdogging," refers to a TikTok trend where users document themselves doing nothing but staring ahead on long flights.
This year’s selection underscores the influence of internet culture, particularly from TikTok and other social media, in shaping language. Many of these terms gained popularity through younger generations, who continue to shape language and cultural trends across social media. Twitter users had varied reactions to this year’s Word of the Year, with many applauding the choice of “brat” for its empowering vibe, while others humorously commented on its representation of Gen Z’s influence on modern slang.
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