What does ‘brat’ mean? Dictionary picks its word of the year
LONDON – Collins Dictionary Announces “Brat” as 2024 Word of the Year
Collins Dictionary has officially declared “brat” as the word of the year for 2024. This popular term was popularized by singer Charli XCX, who used it as the title of her sixth studio album. The dictionary defines “brat” as being characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.
According to Collins lexicographers, “brat” gained widespread recognition in the phrase “brat summer” and became one of the most talked-about words of the year. It has transcended its origins as an album title to become a cultural phenomenon, resonating with people globally as both an aesthetic and a way of life.
Each year, Collins experts analyze their vast database of 20 billion words to identify new and notable terms that reflect the ever-evolving English language. Alongside “brat,” other noteworthy additions for 2024 include “era,” inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, and “anti-tourism,” a movement against mass tourism. Additionally, “delulu” and “rawdogging” are recognized as emerging neologisms with unique meanings.
Managing director Alex Beecroft emphasized the influence of younger generations on this year’s word selection, noting that many of the notable words were popularized by Generation Z and Alpha. This year’s list is described as the most “brat” Word of the Year compilation to date.
In 2023, Collins Dictionary’s word of the year was “AI,” an abbreviation for artificial intelligence.
