“Brat” voted word of the year by the Collins dictionary, which modifies its definition after Charli XCX’s album

CULTURE – It marked the summer of 2024 thanks to the millions of fans of singer Charli XCX. The word « brat »often translated as « sale gosse » in French, was voted word of the year by the renowned Collins dictionary. This word was chosen by British singer Charli XCX as the title of her latest album, released at the beginning of June, and which was a huge success. A real movement has formed around this term which has gone viral on social networks, and which has even found its way into the American presidential campaign.

Due to this popular success, the Collins dictionary went so far as to revise its definition of the word, to add a second meaning. Initially defined as an expression “used in a contemptuous or playful manner” to designate “someone, especially a child, who misbehaves or annoys you”the word brat can now also be used for “ characterize a confident, independent and hedonistic attitude »now explains the dictionary.

The previously rather pejorative term has become a symbol of self-acceptance and one's imperfections. The album “ Brat » by Charli XCX is indeed an ode to chaotic parties and a reflection of the questions of a generation. “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”the singer explained this summer on TikTok.

His album set the tone for the summer – renamed “ brat summer »and the neon green of the album cover has been 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”estimates the Collins dictionary.

“Era” by Taylor Swift also enters the dictionary

The Collins dictionary has also added another word that has marked pop culture in the year 2024: the term « Era »which has its origins in the famous tour « Eras Tour » by Taylor Swift. This tour captivated millions of fans in Europe, thrilling audiences with its unforgettable performances.

Collins experts define a « era » as “a period in a person’s life or career which has a distinctive character”. This term is not only limited to denoting a phase in an individual's journey, but it also captures the essence of the different creative stages that artists go through, thereby leaving a unique imprint on popular culture.

The list of new words for 2024 also includes several terms popularized by Generation Z, those born between 1995 and 2012, and Generation Alpha, born after 2012. We thus find expressions straight out of TikTok and Instagram, such as the term « yapping »which describes the fact of talking endlessly about trivial subjects, or the word “delusion”a derivative of “delusional” which talks about having unrealistic expectations.

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