As ‘Brat’ is named word of the year…take our quiz to see if you’re Brat or just a proper Charlie
FOR many, the word “brat” will conjure up images of a child having a tantrum or John McEnroe losing it on the tennis court.
But not if you are Gen Z — because Collins English Dictionary says it is the word of 2024 and means someone “characterised by a confident, independent and hedonistic attitude”.
The new use is inspired by pop singer Charli XCX’s album Brat, which celebrated her “flaws and f***-ups”.
Even US presidential candidate Kamala Harris referenced the record’s green cover in her campaign.
Try this quiz to help you understand how “brat” you are . . .
1. Someone lights a fag near you in an outside restaurant. Do you:
a) Ignore it.
b) Ask them politely to smoke elsewhere.
c) Say, “Have you got a spare cig?”
2. When out shopping for a new outfit, do you:
a) Buy a grey jumper at M&S.
b) Think a Superdry hoodie is edgy.
c) Decide the strappy white top would look good with no bra and a short skirt.
3. When someone offers you weed, do you:
a) Say, “That’s nice, but I already have enough stinging nettles in my garden.”
b) Tell them you’re not into that skunk stuff and marijuana isn’t what it was.
c) Ask for something much stronger.
4. Someone asks if you like Charli XCX. Do you:
a) Reply you prefer not to use Roman numerals.
b) Say that you’ll check her out on Spotify.
c) Tell them you don’t follow anyone.
5. The bar staff have just called last orders. Do you:
a) Wish you’d stayed at home to watch Strictly.
b) Grab a final drink.
c) Go on to an all-nighter.
6. When looking for a new boyfriend or girlfriend, do you:
a) Reckon evening classes would be good place to find romance.
b) Put up a slightly misleading profile on a dating app.
c) Go for the person who just cheated on your best friend.
7. You want to be President of the United States. Do you?
a) Admit 81 is a bit old for the job.
b) Try to win the youth vote by copying Charli XCX’s Brat cover.
c) Say whatever comes into your head, not caring what anyone thinks.
8. You are a 32-year-old public school-educated pop singer from leafy Essex, with a dad in showbusiness. Do you:
a) Speak openly about how well-off and privileged you are.
b) Don’t go on about your background.
c) Culturally appropriate stereotypes of working-class behaviour.
Brat rating
MOSTLY A – you are about as brat as Songs Of Praise.
B – you are a bit old for this brat stuff, aren’t you?
C – total brat.