It's a Brat Summer—But What Does That Even Mean?

Yesterday, my group chat was abuzz with my friends (a bunch of millennials, it should be noted) talking about "brat". Specifically, what is brat? Is it a good thing? And what does it have to do with Vice President Kamala Harris?

And maybe you've seen the word on your social media feeds, too. One friend suggested it was referring to the banana-rice-applesauce-toast diet moms use to soothe aching tummies. Another thought it had to do with throwing tantrums. Neither one is correct. Instead, as my most in-the-know friend summed it up: "Brat is giving girls license to live their best, grossest, more feral lives. It's def used positively."

Confused? Let me break it down for you below.

Like all internet memes and social media phenomena, there's no official definition of what brat is. But my friend's explanation above is pretty accurate, as confirmed by one Gen Z editor's take: "It’s the antithesis of Barbiecore. I feel like ‘brat’ is embracing the chaos that life throws at you and really taking the reins of your destiny. Someone who’s brat is spunky, edgy, unique and doesn’t give two shi*ts what someone thinks of her."

Many see brat as a rejection of the "wellness girlie" and "clean girl" trends on TikTok, and instead a vibe that is much more rebellious in nature—think of a brat as someone who doesn't conform to societal expectations. She’s fun, she’s a little messy and she does what she pleases.

Singer-songwriter Charli XCX released her new album, titled Brat, on June 7, leading fans to declare this is a "brat summer."  The album's iconic lime green cover has become the official color of brat and Charli XCX its spokesperson.

In a TikTok interview, Charli XCX broke down her definition of the word: “You are just that girl who is a little messy and maybe says dumb things sometimes, who feels herself but then also maybe has a breakdown but parties through it. It is honest, blunt and a little bit volatile. That’s Brat.”

After President Joe Biden announced he was stepping out of the race for the White House and endorsed VP Kamala Harris for president, Charli showed her support by tweeting "kamala IS brat." Per the BBC, just one day later, Harris "had seized on Charli's backing —with the account sporting a new lime green photo in the style of the Brat album cover."

This has led many commentators to conclude that Harris is appealing to younger voters as the "cool girl" candidate.

Brat is a little messy, a little chaotic. Think: Go out dancing until the early hours of the morning. Or if that's not your vibe, you could also embrace the brat vibe with your sartorial choices—Kate Spade has a "brat summer starter pack" with green purses, jewelry and swimwear, while ColourPop Cosmetics posted a guide for "brat inspired makeup" with their "lime green faves." Other ways to live your best brat summer? Opt for wired headphones, a white tank top and chunky eyeliner, per TikTok account luxegen. Most important? Have fun.