‘Brat’ has been chosen as the 2024 ‘word of the year’ by the Collins dictionary.
The word was redefined and made increasingly well-known this year after the release of pop singer Charli XCX’s sixth studio album titled ‘brat’.
BREAKING NEWS The Collins Word of the Year is… brat.
Find out more about #CollinsWOTY 2024 and see the full list here: https://t.co/gmsnCqA0yv#wordoftheyear #CollinsDictionary #brat #CollinsWOTY pic.twitter.com/Y93NCjFVno
— Collins Dictionary (@CollinsDict) November 1, 2024
According to organisers, ‘brat’ describes a person “characterised by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude”.
“Inspired by the Charli XCX album, brat has become one of the most talked about words of 2024,” they said.
“More than a hugely successful album, brat is a cultural phenomenon that has resonated with people globally, and ‘brat summer’ established itself as an aesthetic and a way of life.”
Other competitors for this year’s word of the year that have been added to the dictionary were:
- Yapping
- Delulu
- Era
- Rawdogging
- Brainrot
- Looksmaxxing
- Anti-tourism
- Romantasy
- Supermajority
On The Hard Shoulder today, reporter Josh Crosbie spoke to people on the streets of Dublin about the new word of the year.
A majority of people recognised the word ‘brat’ from its typical slang reference to an unruly or badly behaved child, with a few recognising the Charli XCX significance.
“Years ago brat would be a bold child, but I think it has a different meaning now,” one person said.
“I think it’s language evolving and moving towards modern times.”
Delulu made the #CollinsWOTY shortlist this year.
Find out more: https://t.co/2v3STj3VxL#CollinsDictionary #WordoftheYear #delulu #CollinsWOTY pic.twitter.com/6UwB4Y2nul
— Collins Dictionary (@CollinsDict) November 1, 2024
Generally, people understood the meaning behind the words ‘delulu’ and ‘yapping’ as a shortened word for ‘delusional’ or ‘deluded’ and another word for ‘chatting’ respectively.
Managing director of Collins Alex Beecroft said: “With many of this year’s notable words being popularised by generations Z and Alpha, we can confidently say this is the most ‘brat’ Word of the Year list ever.”
The lexicographers at Collins Dictionary monitor a 20-billion-word database in order to create a new list of new and notable words each year.
Main image: Brat is Collins Dictionary's word of the year 2024 Image: Collins Dictionary
