Inside What a "Brat Summer" Is, and Why Some Charli XCX Fans Are Embracing It

If you've seen people on TikTok, Instagram, or other social media platforms talking about having a "brat summer," and you have no idea what it means, you aren't alone. But it could just mean you aren't a Charli XCX fan — she coined the term thanks to her studio album called "Brat."

So for those of us who aren't as in the know as, say, the Gen Z crowd milling about, you might need more clarification about what brat summer means, especially since it has now made its way into politics. Don't worry; we've got you covered.

In case you're wondering if having a brat summer means you should act like an ungrateful child during the warmer months, while throwing a fit when you don't get your way, think again. According to Charli, having a brat summer means that you should simply do what you want, within reason, without caring what others think. Simple enough, right?

She shared in an interview with The News Movement on TikTok, explaining that having a brat summer can be "so trashy," or involve "luxury," as well. Like we said, it's about you doing you.

"Just, like, a pack of cigs, and like a Bic lighter," Charli said of her brat summer essentials, "and, like, a strappy white top with no bra. That's, like, kind of all you need."

But it varies from person to person, as they embrace who they are with no worries about what others think. In essence, it's all about authenticity.

As part of her campaign to become the 2024 Democratic nominee, which began when Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her in his stead, Kamala Harris and her camp have embraced the brat summer trend. 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."