If you’ve come across folks on TikTok, Instagram, or other social platforms chattering about having a “brat summer” and you’re feeling a bit lost, you’re not alone.
This phrase was popularized by Charli XCX, linked to her album “Brat,” so if you’re not a fan, it might be new to you.
For those of us not fully tuned into the Gen Z scene, understanding what “brat summer” signifies, especially now that it’s seeping into politics, can be puzzling. But don’t worry, we’re here to fill you in!
What does “Brat Summer” mean?
When Charli XCX dropped her sixth studio album “Brat” on June 7, it took the internet by storm with its infectious future club hits.
Charli defines a brat summer as a time to embrace doing what you want, within reason, without worrying about others’ opinions. It’s all about staying true to yourself, right?
The concept of a “Brat summer” challenges norms and societal expectations, ditching the traditional “clean girl” image in favor of celebrating the boldly messy party girl. This season, neon green from the album has overshadowed the classic Barbie pink.
In an interview with The News Movement on TikTok, Charli elaborated that a brat summer can range from “trashy” to “luxury.” Ultimately, it’s all about embracing your authentic self.
What are people doing to embrace Brat summer?
This summer has seen many individuals embracing their inner brat, channeling the grungy, “it girl” vibe of the album into their daily routines.
It embraces the freedom of being messy and untamed without the worry of constant surveillance.
If you could capture the essence of a bustling, sweaty dance floor in one record, it would undoubtedly be Brat.
It encapsulates that sticky, sweaty nightclub atmosphere, contemplating the allure of a drunk cigarette in the back of the club.
There’s a touch of existential weariness, seeking to escape the day’s troubles through wild nights, with Charli expressing her anxieties about aging and yearning to rewind time in “Rewind.”
The album reminisces about the carefree club era before every moment was documented on iPhones, sprinkling nods to the 2000s throughout the lyrics and titles like “Von dutch.”
How to have a Brat summer?
In order to embody brat energy, one must arguably channel Charli XCX’s sentiment in “Club Classics” to keep the party going until dawn breaks.
It’s all about reveling in the chaos. At its core, being a “brat” means disregarding others’ opinions and fully owning your wild side.
According to Charli, anyone can be a brat. In an interview, she said: “It can go that way, like, quite luxury, but it can also be so, like, trashy. Just, like, a pack of cigs, and, like, a Bic lighter, and, like, a strappy white top. With no bra. That’s, like, kind of all you need.”
Political inclinations with the “Brat Summer” trend
The “Brat Summer” trend has made its way into politics. Kamala Harris has adopted the phrase as part of her campaign to become the 2024 Democratic nominee. Her supporters have posted plenty of videos and memes of Kamala set to “Brat” tracks, and the official Kamala HQ page on X even changed their header to resemble the “Brat” album cover.
Charli XCX herself even endorsed Harris, tweeting, “Kamala IS brat.”
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
When she’s not writing, Olekanma enjoys immersing herself in a good book, exploring new cuisines, and discovering new cultures.