Collins Dictionary Names “Brat” 2024 Word of the Year

In a reflection of evolving social attitudes and pop culture influences, Collins Dictionary announced “brat” as its Word of the Year for 2024. The word, redefined by British singer Charli XCX and popularized through her album of the same name, has come to represent a “confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” Originally used to describe a misbehaving child, “brat” now embodies a culturally resonant spirit of self-expression and rebellion that resonates globally, with notable support from US presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

The Rise of “Brat” – From Album to Attitude

Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, Brat, released in June 2024, transformed the term from its traditional, negative meaning to a symbol of bold self-confidence. The album’s influence was not only musical but also visual, with its distinctive lime-green color and typeface appearing in social media memes, storefronts, and even in Harris’ campaign rebranding. Charli’s description of a “brat girl” as someone who is “messy, party-loving, and unapologetically herself” struck a chord worldwide, creating a trend known as “brat summer,” which Collins described as “a way of life.”

Kamala Harris and Political Adoption

Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign embraced the “brat” ethos, with Harris herself adopting elements of the Brat album’s style and even using Charli XCX’s song “365” in her TikTok posts. Charli tweeted, “Kamala IS brat,” reinforcing the alignment of the term with bold, independent personalities, which further fueled the term’s momentum.

Word of the Year Shortlist – Reflecting 2024’s Themes

Other contenders for Word of the Year, like “brainrot” (referring to the inability to think clearly), “looksmaxxing” (attempting to enhance physical attractiveness), and “delulu” (slang for delusional), also underscore society’s engagement with escapism and self-improvement. The shortlist included words influenced by other pop stars, such as “era,” a nod to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Terms like “anti-tourism” and “romantasy” highlighted cultural shifts toward introspection, anti-commercialism, and fantasy as coping mechanisms for an uncertain world. Collins noted that while some of these words are not entirely new, their resurgence reflects contemporary anxieties and values.

Escapism and Expression in Language Trends

In choosing “brat” as 2024’s Word of the Year, Collins Dictionary emphasized the public’s interest in reclaiming language to mirror personal identity and resilience. In a year marked by hedonism and introspection, words like “brat” have moved beyond their original meanings, embodying a wider societal shift toward embracing individuality amidst global challenges.

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