LONDON : Once a term reserved for unruly children, “brat” now embodies a “confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude,” according to the UK-based Collins dictionary, marking it as one of the most culturally resonant terms of the year.

The word’s evolution began with the release of Charli XCX’s hit album Brat, which topped the charts in the UK and reached number three in the U.S. “Brat” quickly spread through social media and pop culture, resonating with fans who embraced the term’s new meaning and the rebellious, self-assured image it now represents. The 32-year-old singer, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, described the typical “brat” persona as “a little messy and likes to party…feels herself, maybe has a breakdown, but kind of parties through it.”

A pivotal moment for the term came in July when Charli XCX tweeted that “Kamala IS brat,” referencing U.S. VP Kamala Harris. Embracing the label, Harris incorporated Charli’s song “365” in her TikTok campaign, and her account briefly adopted a neon green aesthetic styled after the album cover, sparking what fans dubbed “brat summer” across social media.

“Inspired by the Charli XCX album, ‘brat’ has become one of the most talked-about words of 2024,” Collins noted. “More than a hugely successful album, ‘brat’ is a cultural phenomenon that has resonated with people globally, establishing itself as an aesthetic and a way of life.”

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