Brat To Skibidi: Here Are 10 Most Trending English Words Of 2024, And What They Mean
The English language continues to evolve, absorbing new words and redefining existing ones. Here are 10 words of 2024 that reflect our collective experiences, aspirations, and humour.
Trending Words Of The Year 2024: The English language has long been celebrated for its adaptability, drawing from diverse cultures, trends, and technologies to evolve. Each year, it absorbs new words and redefines existing ones. In 2024, English continued to expand its boundaries, fuelled by the rapid exchange of ideas in an increasingly interconnected world. From the slang coined by younger generations to terms popularised by social media and pop culture, the year’s trending words reveal how language mirrors our collective experiences, aspirations, and humour.
Here are 10 English words that captured the essence of 2024, exploring their meanings and the cultural moments that shaped their prominence.
1. Brain Rot
The phrase refers to the perceived deterioration of one's mental or intellectual state due to excessive consumption of trivial or unchallenging online content. This term was named Word of the Year 2024 by Oxford University Press.
2. Brat
Originally describing a spoiled or unruly child, "brat" has been redefined to embody a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude. This shift in meaning was influenced by Charli XCX's album titled 'Brat', leading Collins Dictionary to select it as their Word of the Year for 2024.
3. Manifest
Traditionally meaning to display or show (a quality or feeling), "manifest" has taken on a new sense in popular culture, referring to the practice of imagining achieving something one desires, with the belief that this will help bring it to fruition. The Cambridge Dictionary recognised this usage by naming it their Word of the Year for 2024.
4. Delulu
A colloquial contraction of "delusional", used to describe someone who holds unrealistic beliefs or expectations, often in a humorous or lighthearted context. This term gained traction on social media platforms throughout 2024.
5. Rizz
Short for "charisma", this slang term refers to one's ability to attract or seduce others, particularly in romantic contexts. The OUP Word of the Year for 2023 continues to be widely used among younger demographics.
6. Era
Beyond its traditional meaning of a distinct period in history, "era" has been adopted in popular culture to signify a notable phase in an individual's life or career. This usage was popularised by events like Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour'.
7. Skibidi
A nonsensical term that became associated with a viral internet trend involving humorous and exaggerated dance moves, often set to catchy music. The term 'Skibidi' gained widespread popularity through social media challenges and memes.
8. Situationship
Describes a romantic or sexual relationship that lacks clear definition or commitment, existing somewhere between casual dating and a committed partnership. This term reflects the complexities of modern relationships.
9. Simp
A slang term used to describe someone who shows excessive sympathy and attention toward another person, often someone they are romantically interested in, sometimes to the detriment of their own self-respect. The term has been widely discussed and debated on social media platforms.
10. Yeet
An exclamation of excitement, approval, surprise, or all-around energy, often used when throwing something with force. The term has been popular in internet culture and continues to be widely used in various contexts.
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