Gen Z slang dominates as 'brat' is declared word of the year
- Collins Dictionary selected 'brat' as the word of the year, emphasizing its connection to Gen Z culture.
- The word 'demure' experienced a resurgence in usage thanks to a viral TikTok video by Jools.
- These words reflect the dynamic language and self-expression of today's youth, showcasing the power of social media.
In November 2023, Collins Dictionary named 'brat' as their word of the year, reflecting the influence of Gen Z and social media trends. This word's increased usage can be attributed to its popularity on platforms like TikTok, where it has become a prominent part of the online lexicon. Concurrently, the word 'demure' has also gained traction, largely due to a viral TikTok video by Jools, a creator who has amassed 2.3 million followers. Her phrase 'very demure, very mindful' captured the attention of users, solidifying 'demure' as a buzzword among Gen Z. Despite its growing popularity, many young users were not familiar with the word's definition prior to Jools' video. The simultaneous rise of these two words provides insight into the evolving language and identity expressions of today's youth. These trends illustrate how social media platforms serve as catalysts for linguistic change and cultural dialogue, echoing the fluid nature of Gen Z's self-expression and aesthetic values.