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Charli XCX's 'brat' named Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary
Not just a themed summer — Brat has been redefined in the pop culture lexicon.
In a year full of wild trends, "brat" has been named Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary as a result of Charli XCX's hit album Brat.
Honestly? We couldn't think of a more perfect choice!
Unless you've been living under a rock for most of 2024, you're aware that the world has just experienced a very Brat summer. You're probably also familiar with the electric limeade shade color that's also known as Pantone.
Overall, the music, color, aesthetic, lexicon, and energy of Brat have turned this fun and edgy album and remix sequel into a full-blown movement.
The Brat phenomenon started when Charli XCX announced it as the title of her new album and proceeded to take over the summer with a tracklist full of absolute club bangers.
But what does it actually mean to be "brat" now, according to the dictionary? Well, Collins Dictionary has redefined the term to mean "characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude."
In the meantime, XCX's definition of "brat" is a bit more specific (via BBC Sounds).
“It can go that way — quite like luxury. But it can also be so trashy, just like a pack of cigs and a BIC lighter and a strappy white top with no bra."
The pop star also said in a TikTok video that "brat" is a person "who feels like herself but maybe also has a breakdown. But kind of, like, parties through it, is very honest, very blunt. A little bit volatile. Like, does dumb things. But it's brat. You're brat. That's brat."
@charlixcx what it means to be a brat :) #OffTheRecord
The Brat movement reached new heights in July when XCX used the label for Vice President Kamala Harris in an instantly iconic "Kamala IS brat" post on X. As Harris kickstarted her own presidential run following Joe Biden's step-down decision, her campaign quickly adopted the Brat trends and colors — making a huge splash in the news.
Cheers to the title of Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary going to a word that actually means something to the culture and has staying power… not just a passing trend, but a whole movement.
Charli XCX, you will always be famous!
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