“Brat” Declared Collins Dictionary’s 2024 Word of the Year

The Collins Dictionary has chosen “brat” as its 2024 Word of the Year, a term that gained global popularity as the title of Charli XCX’s sixth studio album. Defined by Collins as embodying “a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude,” the word evolved into a lifestyle trend known as “brat summer,” which Collins called “one of the most talked about words of 2024.”

Collins noted that “brat” transcended its musical roots to become a global phenomenon. “Brat summer” emerged as an aesthetic and mindset, particularly resonant among younger generations. The selection process, which draws on a 20-billion-word database, highlights terms that reflect the dynamic nature of the English language.

Other noteworthy words on Collins’ 2024 list include “era,” referring to a distinct period in one’s life and inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, and “anti-tourism,” which captures the movement against mass tourism. Additional entries include “delulu,” describing an unrealistic mindset, and “rawdogging,” meaning to take a long-haul flight without digital distractions.

Alex Beecroft, Collins’ managing director, emphasized the influence of Gen Z and Alpha in popularizing these terms, calling it “the most ‘brat’ Word of the Year list ever.”

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