The word “brat”, “dirty brat” in English, popularized by singer Charli XCX and used in Kamala Harris' campaign, was crowned word of the year 2024 on Friday by the British dictionary Collins.
“Brat” has been redefined to “characterize a confident, independent, hedonistic attitude,” the dictionary explains.
It is “one of the most discussed words of 2024”, highlights Collins.
The term was brought up to date by British artist Charli XCX, whose album “Brat”, released in June, is an ode to chaotic parties and a reflection of the questions of a generation.
It set the tone for summer – even renamed “brat summer”, and the neon green of the album cover was used in numerous advertising campaigns.
“More than a resoundingly successful album, +brat+ is a cultural phenomenon that has resonated around the world, and +brat summer+ has established itself as an aesthetic and a way of life,” says the dictionary.
The term, which until then was rather pejorative, has become a symbol of self-acceptance and one's imperfections, in opposition to the trend of the “clean” girl.
“The +Brat+ girl is a girl who is a little messy and who likes to party, who does things that are a little stupid sometimes… but who is also very honest,” Charli XCX explained this summer on TikTok.
The word established itself in the American presidential campaign, taken up by Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, known as much as criticized for being spontaneous and good-natured.
“Kamala is +brat+”, launched Charli XCX. The candidate's campaign team was quick to adopt the “brat” color for its visuals on X.
