Collins Dictionary has named “brat” as its 2024 word of the year, crediting its rise to a global “cultural phenomenon” sparked by Charli XCX’s album Brat, released in June. The album inspired fans and brands alike, with its iconic green aesthetic becoming ubiquitous across social media and even storefronts.

Collins describes a “brat” as someone embodying confidence, independence, and a hedonistic vibe, reflecting a cultural embrace of self-expression and unapologetic authenticity. While some viewed “brat” negatively, Charli XCX and her fans clarified it as a term celebrating an honest, carefree, and bold attitude.

@charlixcx what it means to be a brat 🙂 #OffTheRecord ♬ Club classics – Charli xcx

Other contenders for Collins’ list of impactful words include “era,” a nod to Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, and trendy internet slang such as “brainrot,” “delulu,” and “looksmaxxing.” These words, along with “romantasy” and “supermajority,” reveal society’s focus on escapism and the pursuit of personal expression amid a world of growing uncertainty.

Collins noted that many of these terms have gained a new relevance this year, reflecting current social trends and moods in ways that continue to resonate deeply.