In a celebration of cultural trends, Collins Dictionary has chosen “brat” as its 2024 Word of the Year, inspired by Charli XCX’s popular album. The term is defined as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude,” encapsulating a vibrant summer ethos dubbed “brat summer.”
Collins lexicographers highlighted that “brat” has become one of the most discussed words of the year. They noted, “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.”
The dictionary’s annual selection reflects language trends observed in its extensive 20-billion-word database. Other notable words for 2024 include “era,” linked to Taylor Swift’s acclaimed Eras tour, which denotes a significant period in one’s life or career.
Additionally, finalists for Word of the Year included “anti-tourism,” addressing the growing backlash against mass tourism; “delulu,” describing someone with unrealistic expectations; and “rawdogging,” referring to taking a long-haul flight without distractions.
Collins managing director Alex Beecroft remarked, “With many of this year’s notable words being popularized by generations Z and Alpha, we can confidently say this is the most ‘brat’ Word of the Year list ever.” Last year, the chosen word was “AI,” short for artificial intelligence.
