'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:
Cian Ducrot
Cian Ducrot announced in March 2025 he's heading out on his first ever arena headline show! Cian is playing dates across the UK and Ireland in July, September and December!
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff has released her first new music in 10 years called 'Mature' and with it, announced a series of intimate gigs, including one in London. She will perform in London on 19th January 2026 as part of her 'Small Rooms, Big Nerves' tour.
Jason Derulo
Jason will be performing several dates across the UK and Ireland in January and February 2026. The singer is expected to perform some of his biggest hits from the last 15 years.
James Arthur
One to look forward to next year in 2026 - In celebration of his sixth studio album 'Pisces', James Arthur is going on a huge tour in February 2026! Starting in Nottingham at Motorpoint Arena on Tuesday 3rd February, the singer will then travel across the UK ending at Manchester's Co-Op Live on Saturday 21st February.
Fatboy Slim
Fatboy Slim has announced eight dates for his 'Acid Ballroom' tour in February 2026, two in each of the cites - London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
Kesha
'Tik Tok' singer Kesha has announced a new tour for 2026, performing at four UK venues, as well as across Europe in March 2026.
Leigh-Anne
Leigh-Anne will be going on a tour in April 2026. The tour is called 'My Ego Told Me To Tour' and is in support of her debut solo album 'My Ego Told Me To', which will be released in February. She will be playing dates in Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and London as part of a wider European tour.
Alex Warren
'Ordinary' singer Alex Warren is heading to this side of the pond in the spring of 2026, with UK tour dates from 20th April to 6th May. He'll be visiting London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Belfast and Dublin.
Louis Tomlinson
Following the release of his first new music in three years, 'Lemonade', and the announcement of his third solo album 'How Did I Get Here?', Louis Tomlinson has now announced he will be going on a World Tour in 2026. The singer will perform seven dates across the UK and Ireland in April and May 2026.
Example
Example has announced he will be going on tour in May 2026. The singer is known for his hits 'Kickstarts', 'Won't Got Quietly' and 'Changed the Way You Kiss Me'. He will be performing five dates across England in May 2026.
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026'
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026' has been announced featuring Cascada, Ian Van Dahl, Cascada and Darren Styles. Taking place across two weekends in May, the events will take place in Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Aberdeen with a new show in Leeds.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat has announced UK dates for 'Tour Ma Vie World Tour', which will see her performing across the country in May 2026. The 'Say So' singer will start her tour in Glasgow on Thursday 21st May 2026, followed by dates in Manchester and Birmingham, ending her run in London at the O2 Arena on Friday 29th May.
Sister Sisters - 'The Kiki Continues'
The Sister Sisters have now announced outdoor dates across the UK in May, July and August 2026, including several festivals - Mighty Hoopla, Rock Oyster Festival and Boomtown Festival. 'The Kiki Continues' will start in London in May.
James Arthur - Summer dates 2026
James Arthur has announced two dates for Summer 2026. The singer will play in Scarborough and Halifax in July at outdoor venues. He told his fans they would be 'very special shows'.
Lewis Capaldi - Summer dates 2026
In September 2025, just a few days after he started his autumn tour, Lewis announced lots of summer 2026 dates! He then added to these dates after they sold out very quickly. He will tour the UK and Ireland in June, July and August.
Pitbull
Pitbull has been announced as the headline act for several gigs next summer. After the success of his 'Party After Dark Tour' in 2025, he will be returning to the UK for gigs in London, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast as part of a larger tour including dates in Ireland.
The gigs take place across June and July 2026.
Ariana Grande
In August, Ariana Grande announced she would be going on 'The Eternal Sunshine Tour', including five dates in the UK. The singer will be coming to the UK in August 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
Hits Radio Live 2026
Hits Radio Live 2026 has now been announced at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Friday 20th November 2026 and Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 21st November 2026. Buy tickets now!
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 💚