'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:
Zayn
Former One Direction star Zayn Malik is embarking on his first solo tour in 2024, playing dates in the UK in November and early December on his 'Stairway To The Sky' tour.
Scooter
'Jumping All Over The World' legends Scooter are heading around the UK and Ireland on their 30th anniversary tour - titled 'Thirty, Rough and Dirty'. Dates take place in October and November.
Jax Jones
Jax Jones has announced several UK tour dates in October and November 2024. The DJ shared the exciting news with a defiant message saying how he wanted to prove show promoters wrong, because they wouldn't book him.
The Script
The Script have now sold out the first UK leg of their 'Satellites World Tour', which takes place in November 2024, they have now announced several more dates for June and July 2025 taking place at several festivals and outdoor venues.
Charli XCX
Charli XCX has announced four extra dates for her 'BRAT' UK tour, with special guest Shygirl. The singer, known for hits such as 'Boom Clap', and 'Speed Drive' from the Barbie movie, will be performing in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Glasgow throughout November - December.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish has announced her 'Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour' will be coming to the UK in July 2025. Billie will be performing 12 dates across Glasgow, London and Manchester.
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.
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.
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 💚