Collins Dictionary's 2024 Word of the Year is 'brat'

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Bratty behavior is having a moment—at least if Collins Dictionary has anything to say about it. The dictionary has crowned “brat” as its Word of the Year for 2024. Once a term you might have used to scold a cheeky sibling, it’s now been rebranded as a badge of pride for anyone embracing a carefree, rebellious vibe. After all, what better year than 2024 to celebrate being unapologetically bold?

 

 

The word “brat” gained its fresh polish thanks largely to British pop star Charli XCX, who dropped an album of the same name that sparked a cultural wave—aptly dubbed brat summer—that lingered well beyond the season. The Collins lexicographers noticed a surge in the word’s use, linking it to a wider cultural mood.

 

 

 

The term, often accompanied by a bright green thanks to the singer’s influence, is now shorthand for a lifestyle that mixes hedonism, independence, and a streak of self-acceptance, all wrapped up with a rebellious bow. 

 

 

 

 

“Brat” also showed up in the world of politics, with public figures like Kamala Harris using it as part of a cheeky rebranding for her social media. Whether in pop culture or political campaigns, the word seemed to tap into an ethos of living unapologetically in a year full of anxieties and attempts at carefree joy.

 

Of course, this wasn't the only word capturing 2024's collective spirit. The runners-up for Collins' Word of the Year list also speak to some of the era’s quirks and challenges.  Here they are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Delulu,” short for delusional, describes unrealistic expectations, while “brainrot” refers to the mind-numbing effects of endless scrolling through low-quality content. The publishing world contributed “romantasy,” a blend of romance and fantasy that’s producing notable success stories like author Sarah J. Maas, who's sold over 37 million copies of her works.

 

Some terms on the shortlist reflect a pushback against modern conveniences. “Rawdogging,” originally from masculine-focused internet communities, now describes the practice of avoiding smartphone apps and embracing discomfort—like taking a long flight without digital entertainment. From the same online spaces emerged “looksmaxxing,” the intensive pursuit of physical improvement through various means.

 

The real world contributed its share of vocabulary too. “Anti-tourism” gained traction as cities like Barcelona pushed back against visitor crowds, while “supermajority” returned to prominence in political discussions after Labour’s significant July victory. The term’s traditional meaning refers to the two-thirds threshold needed for major legislative changes.

 

First recorded around 1500, “brat” joins other revived terms like “yapping,” which dates to the 17th century, showing how old words can find new relevance.

 

• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy87x5n0g24o 
• https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/nov/01/brat-wins-collins-dictionary-word-of-the-year-2024 
• https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/11/01/brat-collins-dictionary-charli-xcx-eras/ 
• https://blog.collinsdictionary.com/language-lovers/a-year-when-hedonism-and-anxiety-combine/ 

 

Images: Collins Dictionary