Pop Culture dictionary
brat
[brat]
What does brat mean?
In modern pop culture, the word brat refers to someone who is confidently rebellious, unapologetically bold, and playfully defiant. This new definition celebrates individuality and a carefree attitude, often with a hint of sass and a love for fun. Being labeled “a brat” or “bratty” in this context is more of a compliment, recognizing a person’s ability to challenge norms and express themselves freely without concern for conventional expectations.
Where does brat come from?
The transformation of the word brat in pop culture can be attributed to several factors, with Charli XCX playing a pivotal role in its rebranding. Historically, brat carried negative connotations, describing children who were unruly or spoiled. However, as societal views on self-expression and nonconformity shifted, the term began to acquire a more positive spin, especially within music and fashion circles.
Charli XCX, known for her avant-garde style and boundary-pushing music, has been instrumental in redefining brat. Her persona embodies the essence of the modern brat — bold, rebellious, and unapologetically herself. Through her music, social media presence, and public appearances, Charli XCX has popularized the term, associating it with a confident, free-spirited attitude.
The spread of this new meaning can be seen across various platforms, from social media to music lyrics and interviews. Fans and followers of Charli XCX, as well as other artists and influencers who embrace similar attitudes, have adopted the term, using it to describe themselves and others who exhibit these traits. The term started to receive more widespread attention and increased usage after Charli XCX tweeted “kamala IS brat” following Joe Biden’s endorsement of Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 United States presidential election.
kamala IS brat
— Charli (@charli_xcx) July 22, 2024
Examples of brat
Who uses brat?
The term brat is widely used by fans of Charli XCX and similar artists, as well as by individuals who identify with the rebellious, free-spirited attitude it represents. It is commonly seen in online communities, social media platforms, and pop culture discussions. The term is used to celebrate and acknowledge those who defy conventional norms and embrace their unique, bold personalities, making it a popular choice among younger generations and those involved in creative fields.
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of brat like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of brat that will help our users expand their word mastery.