Well, It’s Official: “Brat” Is 2024’s Word of the Year!
LONDON – If you thought “besties” and “vibe check” were going to hold their reign over the English language, think again! Collins Dictionary has dropped a bombshell, declaring “brat” as the word of the year for 2024 and, quite frankly, it’s such a perfect summation of our current cultural climate I almost threw my coffee across the room in delight! What a world we live in where high art and carefree indulgence converge – just like the last time I went to the supermarket just for snacks!
What Exactly is a “Brat”?
Ah, the age-old question: what does it mean to be a brat? According to singer Charli XCX — whose sixth studio album whimsically claims the title — it refers to being “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” In layman’s terms, if you’ve ever felt the urge to do cartwheels through life while munching on a chocolate croissant, then congratulations, you’re officially embracing the brat lifestyle! This is the kind of behavior that results in either a life-changing adventure or a stern talking-to from your parents. Probably both.
The Cultural Phenomenon of “Brat Summer”
The phrase “brat summer” has become one of the hottest topics of 2024. If you’re wondering how it’s not trending on social media—oh wait, it is! Collins Dictionary noted that it’s not merely the success of the album that made this phrase pop, but the aesthetic and lifestyle it embodies. You know, the one where you drink a margarita at noon on a Tuesday and take selfies like it’s your job. You just have to clap back at the world’s seriousness with your own confidence and hedonism. Sounds thoroughly exhausting and utterly liberating all at once!
Words We Didn’t Know We Needed
But hold on to your dictionaries, folks, because there’s more! Other contenders for the word of the year include “era,” inspired by none other than Taylor Swift and her world-conquering Eras tour. Yes, you heard that right! We can now quantify time and emotion through catchy lyrics and glittering outfits. Great, now I just need a t-shirt that says “I survived the emotional rollercoaster of the Fearless era.”
Breaking Down “Delulu” and “Rawdogging”
And it doesn’t stop there! New terminology like “delulu,” meaning “utterly mistaken or unrealistic in one’s ideas,” has emerged. Remember when you thought you could run a marathon after just one run to the bin? Yeah, that’s delulu, and we’ve all been there! And let’s not forget “rawdogging,” which is apparently boarding long-haul flights without any devices. Now, I’d rather wrestle with a giant squid in a kiddie pool than sit through a ten-hour flight without Netflix. But hey, if you’re looking for a “brat” way to challenge yourself—go for it!
Final Thoughts
The Collins Dictionary team has made it clear: this 2024 list is perhaps the most brat-tastic compilation of words we’ve ever seen. As managing director Alex Beecroft pointed out, “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.” I couldn’t possibly agree more! A round of applause for the youthful exuberance that has graced our vocabulary!
LONDON –
Collins Dictionary has officially recognized “brat” as its 2024 word of the year, a title that has captured the spirit of summer living and self-expression.
Defined by the lexicon of Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, “brat” embodies a confident, independent, and hedonistic lifestyle that resonates with a growing cultural shift.
Collins lexicographers stated that within the context of “brat summer,” the term has emerged as “one of the most talked about words of 2024,” reflecting the pulse of contemporary dialogue.
More than simply a successful album, the concept of “brat” has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon, with “brat summer” establishing itself as not just an aesthetic, but a genuine way of life for many.
Collins experts meticulously analyze a staggering 20-billion-word database to curate their annual roster of new and impactful words, showcasing the continuously shifting landscape of the English language.
Other notable entries for 2024 include “era,” which denotes a significant period marked by distinct characteristics, influenced heavily by the sensational success of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.
Among the dictionary’s finalists, “anti-tourism” reflects a burgeoning movement opposed to mass tourism, while terms like “delulu,” capturing the essence of misguided ideas, also gained traction this year.
Collins managing director Alex Beecroft highlighted that many of this year’s impactful words have been popularized by Generations Z and Alpha, emphasizing that this is the most “brat” Word of the Year list ever compiled.
Collins’ word of the year for 2023 was “AI,” an abbreviation for artificial intelligence, showcasing the swift evolution of language in the digital age.
**Interview with Collins Dictionary Managing Director, Alex Beecroft**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Alex! Let’s dive right into it. Collins Dictionary has declared “brat” as the word of the year for 2024. What inspired this choice?
**Alex Beecroft:** Thank you for having me! “Brat” perfectly encapsulates the vibe of our current cultural landscape. It reflects a sense of confidence, independence, and a carefree attitude that resonates particularly with younger generations. It’s about living life to the fullest, sometimes with a hint of rebellion, and it’s a great summation of what we’ve seen this year.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned younger generations. How do you think Generation Z and Alpha influence the lexicon, particularly in terms of this newfound “brat” culture?
**Alex Beecroft:** Absolutely! Words like “brat” and phrases like “brat summer” are all about embracing life’s joys. These generations aren’t afraid to express themselves and challenge norms. They bring vibrancy to language, often creating terms that capture their experiences and emotions in fun and relatable ways. It’s this youthful exuberance that has shaped our 2024 word list significantly.
**Editor:** Speaking of “brat summer,” can you elaborate on what that means culturally and socially?
**Alex Beecroft:** “Brat summer” embodies a carefree lifestyle that encourages people to embrace joy, indulgence, and self-expression—whether that means sipping margaritas in the sun or confidently sharing one’s life story on social media. It’s both a celebration and a rebellion against the seriousness of everyday life. The phrase has become a rallying cry for those seeking to enjoy life and make the most of their experiences.
**Editor:** With other contenders like “era,” “delulu,” and “rawdogging” also gaining traction, how do you see language evolving in the future?
**Alex Beecroft:** Language is always evolving, especially with the influence of social media and cultural phenomena. Terms like “delulu” and “rawdogging” show how creative and nuanced language can be. These words highlight feelings and experiences that might have previously gone unnamed. As our world shifts and adapts, so do our words—we’ll continue to see this evolution in years to come.
**Editor:** It sounds like a vibrant linguistic landscape is ahead of us! Before we wrap up, any final thoughts on embracing the spirit of “brat” as we head into 2024?
**Alex Beecroft:** My advice? Embrace it! “Brat” encourages us to approach life with confidence and a sense of independence. Whether it’s through our choices, our vocabulary, or simply how we express ourselves, let’s take the mantra of “brat” into the new year—boldly and unapologetically.
**Editor:** Thank you, Alex! It’s certainly an exciting time for language and culture. We can’t wait to see where “brat” takes us in 2024!
