'Brat' officially crowned as Collins Dictionary's word of the year
Following Charli XCX's brat summer phenomenon
It's fair to say the term 'brat' has gained a whole new lease of life in 2024. Not only is it the title of Charli XCX's Number 1 album - which sparked the phenomenon that was 'brat summer' - but it has now officially been crowned by Collins Dictionary as the Word of the Year.
That's right, with many now adopting the brat way of life, not only has Charlie's album topped the charts, but the word brat itself has topped a list of its own. Announcing the news on their socials, Collins Dictionary even gave a nod to the English singer/songwriter, pairing the definition of the word with a Charli XCX-esque green apple, donning black sunglasses.
Defining the term, Collins Dictionary wrote: 'adjective characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude'. When it comes to the definition of 'brat summer', however, it's fair to say a simple definition hasn't been so straight-forward.
Collins Dictionary also wrote on their website: 'Inspired by the Charli XCX album, ‘brat’ has become one of the most talked about words of 2024. More than a hugely successful album, ‘brat’ is a cultural phenomenon that has resonated with people globally, and ‘brat summer’ established itself as an aesthetic and a way of life.'
In another nod to Charli XCX, Collins Dictionary shared a second post which paid tribute to the singer's 'brat' remix album, imitating the album cover of 'Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat'.
In the humorous post, which emulates the remix album's cover art, Collins Dictionary wrote: 'word of the year and it’s the same but there’s new words so it’s not'.
Other words shortlisted for WOTY include 'era', 'yapping', 'brainrot' and 'delulu' - which we can thank the likes of Taylor Swift and TikTok for the surge in popularity for.
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last six months or so, you've most likely heard the term 'brat summer' being thrown around - with Charli XCX to thank for the phenomenon. Following the roaring success of her sixth album, 'Brat' - which sparked the iconic 'Apple' dance - and her epic remix album, it's fair to say the adjective turned into a somewhat cultural movement for many.
What is 'brat summer'?
Following months of teasing, and releasing huge singles such as '360', Charli XCX released 'brat' on 7th June 2024, sparking a green-themed 'brat summer'. After Gen Z coined the term, it was typically described as the rejection of traditional expectations and a celebration of individuality - becoming a symbol of strength and confidence.
With many having their own personal take on what 'brat summer' means, Charli told the BBC that her 'brat summer' essentials are: "Like a pack of cigs and like a bic lighter yes and like a strappy white top, with no bra. That's like kind of all you need."
Whilst 'brat summer' might be over, it seems we may just have a 'brat autumn' on our hands now, with Charli's 'brat' remix album, featuring collaborations with artists such as Ariana Grande and The 1975, having dropped on 11th October.
Check out these epic tours coming to the UK soon, including Charli XCX:
Myles Smith
Myles Smith has announced his biggest solo tour due to take place in February 2025. His tour, called the 'We Were Never Strangers' tour, will start on 15th February in Leeds, before finishing in London on 26th February.
Craig David
Craig David will be going on tour in February 2025, with special guest Lemar. The singer has announced a series of dates across the UK, including Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle and many more.
Sabrina Carpenter
'Espresso' icon Sabrina Carpenter will be gracing the UK & Ireland with dates on her 'Short N' Sweet Tour' in March 2025. The tour is in support of her sixth studio album of the same name, and will also see her perform across North America and Europe.
She's also announced she'll headline American Express Presents BST Hyde Park, in London, on Saturday 5th July.
Sean Paul and Ashanti
Sean Paul and Ashanti are teaming up for a collaborative tour in April 2025, playing dates across the UK and Ireland. The tour will kick off in Belfast on 9th April with both Ashanti and Sean Paul, before Sean plays solo in Aberdeen and Newcastle. Ashanti will then re-join the tour for dates in Leeds, Glasgow, Nottingham, London, Birmingham and Manchester, with Sean finishing the tour on his own in Cardiff, Brighton and Bournemouth.
Olly Murs
Olly Murs has announced a huge 16 date UK and Ireland tour for April and May 2025. The tour is to celebrate 15 years in music, and he will be joined by special guests Blue.
Gary Barlow
Gary Barlow has announced a huge UK and Ireland tour, with dates in April, May and June 2025. The 'Let Me Go' singer will be visiting 27 locations, performing songs from his back catalogue, including some of his iconic Take That hits. Tickets for the 'Songbook Tour' go on sale on Friday 29th November 2024.
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue has announced her latest tour will be called 'The Tension Tour' and will take place in the UK throughout May 2025. Speaking about her tour, Kylie said: "I am beyond excited to announce the TENSION TOUR 2025. I can't wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more! It's been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action … and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!"
Scissor Sisters
The Scissors Sisters are returning for a UK tour, performing in Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Leeds, Birmingham and more in May 2025. The last time the band were on tour was back in 2012 with their 'Let's Have A Kiki Tour', named after a song on their fourth album 'Magic Hour'. This new tour will feature Jake Shears, Babydaddy and Del Marquis and celebrate the release of their debut album.
Nelly
Noughties legend Nelly is bringing his 'Where The Party At' tour to the UK in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his debut album 'Country Grammar'. He'll be joined by special guests Eve, Fabolous, Jermaine Dupri and St. Lunatics when he heads to London, Birmingham and Manchester in June 2025.
Nelly is best known for his iconic R&B tracks 'Ride Wit Me', 'Hot In Herre' and collab with Kelly Clarkson 'Dilemma'.
Sam Fender
Sam Fender has announced two dates in his home town of Newcastle in June 2025, which will follow his tour of the UK and Ireland in the run up to Christmas 2024. He'll head to St James' Park on Thursday 12th and Saturday 14th June.
Dua Lipa
Not only did Dua Lipa delight fans when she announced a new UK date for her 'Radical Optimism' tour - performing at Wembley Stadium in London - but she upped the excitement as she added another date, due to popular demand. She will be performing at the world-famous venue on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st June 2025.
She later announced a date in Liverpool on 24th June 2025.
Olivia Rodrigo
Despite only recently finishing her 'Guts World Tour', 'Vampire' singer Olivia Rodrigo has announced more UK tour dates for 2025. She'll be heading to London's Hyde Park for American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Friday 27th June. She'll also be heading to Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena for her rescheduled set on Monday 30th June and Tuesday 1st July, after problems with the venue forced cancellation at the eleventh hour in May 2024.
The Script
The Script sold out the first UK leg of their 'Satellites World Tour', which took place in 2024 — but they have now announced several more dates for June and July 2025 taking place at several festivals and outdoor venues.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' tour will be coming to the UK in July 2025 after visiting the US, Australia and wider Europe. The 'Bad Guy' singer will be performing 12 dates in the UK, including in Manchester and London. It follows the release of her third album of the same name in May 2024.
Coldplay
Coldplay announced eight-date UK stadium tour in September 2024. The tour will take place in London and Hull, with two dates at Hull's Craven Park Stadium, and six at London's Wembley Stadium, in August 2025.
One Republic
One Republic will be heading out on tour in September 2025. The band behind huge hit 'Counting Stars' will be joined by special guest, Ella Henderson as they head to London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Birmingham for the 'Escape to Europe 2025 Tour'.
Busted Vs McFly
Busted and McFly are teaming up for an ultimate battle of the bands tour in 2025, playing dates across the UK in September and October 2025. The tour is called Busted Vs McFly.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry is never afraid to put on a show, and she'll be doing just that in London, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and Glasgow in October 2025. She revealed in November 2024 that she'll be bringing 'The Lifetimes Tour' to the UK.
Now read:
Get to know Charli XCX the singer behind 'brat'
Why are celebrities doing the 'Apple' dance and what is a 'brat summer'?
Charli XCX's new 'brat' remix album is officially out now 💚