The word “brat” has exploded in popularity over the past few months, and now it’s officially snagged the title of Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year.
Defined as someone with a “confident, independent and hedonistic attitude,” “brat” has been deeply influenced by pop star Charli XCX. What started as the name of her hit album has blossomed into a sort of cultural movement, with many embracing the “brat” way of life.
The trend even reached the political sphere when Kamala Harris’s team gave her social media a “brat” makeover to connect with younger voters during her summer campaign.
Charli’s vision for “brat” is someone who’s authentic, a bit edgy, and unapologetically themselves.
In her own words, it’s the archetype of a person who “has a breakdown, but kind of like parties through it” – honest, blunt, and maybe a little volatile.
Think of someone who rocks a strappy white top with nowhere to hide their bra, a pack of cigarettes ready, and a Bic lighter in hand. It’s a stark contrast to the “clean girl” aesthetic championed on other social media platforms, ditching the emphasis on perfection and embracing a raw, rebellious spirit.
Charli draws inspiration from her early days performing at underground raves, infusing the “brat” persona with a sense of hedonism and freedom that stands out against the current wave of homebody, wholesome living trends.
“Brat” is just one of many buzzwords making waves this year. Other additions to Collins’ list include “era”, further fueled by Taylor Swift’s wildly popular Eras Tour.
This year’s selections highlight a fascinating trend: the growing influence of Generation Z and even Generation Alpha on language.
Driven by social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, words like “yapping” (talking endlessly about insignificant things) and “delulu” (being unrealistically optimistic) have emerged as part of the Zeitgeist.
While global elections dominate headlines, only “supermajority” — a large legislative majority that allows for the passage of laws without serious scrutiny — breaks through as a political term.
Defined by Collins in response to the UK general election in July, it underscores the evolving meaning and impact of words in our ever-changing world.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Language Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Emily Roberts, a sociolinguist and cultural analyst who has been following the evolution of language trends. Dr. Roberts, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Roberts: Thanks for having me! I’m excited to discuss the cultural significance of the word “brat.”
Editor: So, “brat” has been chosen as Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year. How did this term evolve to garner such attention?
Dr. Roberts: It’s fascinating! The term “brat” traditionally carried negative connotations, often describing a spoiled child. However, in its current usage—as influenced by pop culture figures like Charli XCX—it has transformed into something much more positive and empowering. Charli’s album titled “Brat” helped redefine the word, associating it with a confident, independent, and even a hedonistic attitude that resonates with today’s youth.
Editor: That’s an interesting shift! Can you elaborate on how Charli XCX contributed to this transformation?
Dr. Roberts: Absolutely! Charli’s image and music promote authenticity and a bit of an edgy aesthetic. She embodies the modern “brat”—someone who isn’t afraid to push boundaries, embrace their individuality, and enjoy life fully. This resonates particularly well with younger audiences who appreciate this bold approach to lifestyle and self-expression.
Editor: It’s intriguing that a pop star can influence language in such a way. Are there other cultural factors that contributed to the rise of “brat”?
Dr. Roberts: Yes, definitely! Social media plays a significant role here. The term gained traction as people began using it to describe a lifestyle that rejects conventional norms. We saw this influence spill over into political arenas as well, such as with Kamala Harris’s social media makeover. Her team’s strategy to incorporate “brat” language was a clever move to connect with younger voters, showing how deeply the term has penetrated popular culture.
Editor: Speaking of political implications, how do you see the “brat” movement affecting discourse among young voters?
Dr. Roberts: The “brat” identity is empowering for many young people who often feel marginalized in political discussions. By adopting this term, they are reclaiming their narrative, conveying a sense of ownership over their choices and lifestyles. It encourages active participation and expresses a demand for authenticity from political figures.
Editor: That begs the question, though—does the adoption of “brat” mean a shift in how young people interact with authority?
Dr. Roberts: Certainly! The “brat” ethos challenges traditional authority structures. It promotes the idea that it’s okay to question, resist, and redefine norms. This mindset can foster deeper discussions around what leadership should look like and who gets to have their voice heard in the broader social narrative.
Editor: It seems “brat” is not just a label; it’s a cultural movement. How do you see this evolving in the future?
Dr. Roberts: I believe we’ll see “brat” evolve further as a term, potentially leading to new discussions about self-identity and societal expectations. As society progresses, it’s likely that language will continue to shift in real-time, reflecting the values and attitudes of emerging generations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Roberts, for your insights on this dynamic expression of language and culture! It’s clear that “brat” is much more than a word—it’s a reflection of our times.
Dr. Roberts: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how language and culture will continue to evolve together.