Brat’ And Other Top Words Of 2024 You Need To Know

In an exciting turn of events, brat has been crowned Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2024.

Far from its traditional rebellious connotation, this new definition describes someone who is “confident, independent, and hedonistic”—reflecting a carefree, bold attitude that has captured the zeitgeist of the moment.

The word gained popularity after the release of Charli XCX’s album Brat in June, which inspired the “brat summer” movement, a cultural phenomenon embraced by many, particularly among Gen Z. It wasn’t long before public figures, including U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris, adopted the term in their efforts to connect with younger audiences, especially at the onset of her election campaign.

Collins’ lexicographers, who track language trends across social media and various digital platforms, spotted the rise of brat and other notable terms over the past year. The 2024 list also includes era, inspired by Taylor Swift’s monumental tour, and delulu, a playful term describing someone who is “completely mistaken” in their ideas or expectations.

Alex Beecroft, managing director at Collins, shared, “With many of this year’s standout words gaining traction through Gen Z and Gen Alpha, we can say this is our most ‘brat’ list ever.”

As these words shape the language of today’s youth, it’s clear that pop culture and social media continue to influence how we communicate in surprising ways.