Charli XCX's coined term named Word of the Year in 2024

The term "brat", popularised by British singer Charli XCX, has been declared the Collins Word of the Year 2024. The music icon, whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison, caused a sensation on TikTok earlier this year with her sixth studio album titled "Brat", which sparked a trend that transcended mere aesthetics to become a lifestyle.

According to the dictionary, "brat" now signifies "characterised by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude" and quickly became the defining aesthetic movement of the summer. This movement champions self-love, positive body image, and bold style choices, contrasting starkly with the previous "clean girl" trend that favoured yoga, early nights, and slicked-back hair.

Collins Dictionary's lexicographers selected "brat" as their top word after reviewing various media sources, including social media, due to its widespread adoption. They noted that the term had become "one of the most talked about words of 2024". For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter

Another term making the list, reflecting the influence of female musicians on pop culture, is "era", coined from Taylor Swift’s lucrative Eras Tour, which showcases her musical journey. The dictionary defines it as "a period of one’s life or career that is of a distinctive character".

Additional words featured include "yapping", meaning to talk at length about trivial matters, and "delulu", describing someone who is completely mistaken or unrealistic in their beliefs or expectations.

"Rawdogging", a TikTok trend where people post videos of themselves spending long-haul flights doing nothing but staring at the seat in front of them, also features. Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins, 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 their 20-billion-word database to create the annual list of new and notable words that reflect our ever-evolving language and the preoccupations of those who use it.