Slime green word salad. Viral TikTok dances. Ghoul Coffee Company’s “brat” matcha. Your Gen Z + Millennial relatives calling you “so brat.”
It’s been a “brat summer” whether you knew it or not, so we’re here to explain what it means and how to get in on the fun before flannels and pumpkin spice lattes take over.
Released on Friday, June 7, British singer Charli xcx’s album “brat” debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Its 15 tracks examine existential topics like womanhood, family, and insecurity — all with an electric veneer of dance pop partying. In essence, to be a “brat” is to be yourself, flaws and all, while still having fun.
City Editor Figi here — my favorite track is “Von dutch.” Now that you’re caught up on the lingo, here are five events to live out your very own “brat summer” in the city.
Pro tip: local print shop Feels So Good’s Brat Bag and House Every Weekend shirt makes accessorizing a breeze.
Club xcx | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 10 p.m. | The Ballroom @ Spiderhouse | $15-$20 | Once this night is over, you’ll want to rewind and live it all over again.
Brat Summer | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 9:30 p.m. | Swan Dive | $13 | You’ll be bumpin’ that hyperpop all night.
Brat Rave | Friday, Sept. 6 | 9 p.m. | Empire Garage | $20-$25 | Celebrate Charli xcx’s club classics and other party girl anthems.
Brat Summer: A Charli xcx Dance Party | Friday, Sept. 13 | 10 p.m. | The Sunset Room | $18 | Put on your brattiest outfit and hit the dance floor to send off summer in true Charli xcx fashion.
Hyperpop Hell Party | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 9 p.m. | Parish | $10-$150 | Hear all of “brat” front to back followed by other pop music.
