The spirit of “brat summer” shows no signs of fading away. Collins Dictionary recently named “brat” as its Word of the Year, declaring it a “cultural phenomenon that has resonated with people globally.” This surge in popularity can be traced back to British pop sensation Charli XCX, whose sixth studio album, Brat, dropped in June.
With its bold green aesthetic and catchy tunes, the album quickly became a rallying cry for self-expression and unapologetic individuality, inspiring a movement that captured the attention of social media users and even political campaigns. The term “brat” has since evolved into a symbol of confidence and hedonism, reflecting a cultural moment where authenticity and carefree attitudes reign supreme.
In a statement on its website, Collins Dictionary described “brat” as embodying a “confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude,” an identity embraced by fans of Charli XCX, who interpreted “brat” as a term for someone unapologetically authentic. Charli XCX herself has characterized a “brat” as an individual who is bold, blunt, and just a bit rebellious.
Although some associate the term “brat” with negative traits, Charli XCX’s fans have embraced it as a label for anyone who lives freely and without apology. A spokesperson for the artist was not available for comment on the announcement, but the album’s cultural influence is clear.
‘Brat’ Resonates In 2024’s Culture
In explaining its selection, Collins Dictionary noted that “brat” is a reflection of the current cultural climate. The dictionary’s blog pointed to 2024 as “a year when hedonism and anxiety have combined to form an intoxicating brew,” making “brat” a fitting term for this moment in time. The word represents a sense of freedom, self-expression, and a certain recklessness that seems to resonate with people seeking an escape from everyday pressures.
Charli XCX’s album isn’t the only pop-culture influence on this year’s shortlist. Collins also considered the term “era,” a nod to Taylor Swift’s monumental Eras Tour, which drew massive crowds and dominated headlines around the world.
Popular Internet Slang And Cultural Trends On The Shortlist
Other entries on Collins Dictionary’s shortlist for Word of the Year highlight emerging slang and internet culture. For instance:
- Brainrot: Refers to an inability to think clearly, often associated with obsession over media or concepts.
- Looksmaxxing: Defined as efforts to optimize one’s physical appearance.
- Rawdogging: Undertaking an activity without preparation or support.
- Delulu: A play on “delusional,” referencing an overly imaginative or detached view of reality.
- Yapping: Talking excessively, especially on trivial topics.
Additionally, cultural phenomena such as “anti-tourism” (resistance to large-scale tourism), “romantasy” (a literary genre blending romance with fantasy), and “supermajority” (a large legislative majority) rounded out the contenders for the top spot.
Reflecting A Need For Escapism In Language
Collins Dictionary suggested that the rise of terms like “delulu,” “romantasy,” and “brainrot” reflects the escapist attitudes that have grown in recent years, as people increasingly look to fiction and fantasy to deal with uncertain times. According to the blog post, “Many of the words on this year’s shortlist aren’t exactly new, but they’ve certainly been given another lease of life, coming back into fashion for reasons that are sometimes hard to fathom.”
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