'Brat' officially crowned as Collins Dictionary's word of the year

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.

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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 💚

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