This is the time of the year when several year-end lists start to come out reflecting web searches and trends from the the past year. Many of the prominent dictionaries release their lists of the most searched for words from the year and usually they reflect pop culture trends.
Earlier this month Collins Dictionary determined that “brat” was the most searched for word on their website in 2024 largely in part to pop singer Charlie XCX’s new album named “brat.” The word means to be non-conformist and to behave badly.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the 2024 word of the year is “manifest,” which means to clearly show something through signs or actions. Like “brat,” this word was brought to the forefront thanks to pop singer Dua Lipa who claimed she manifested her dream of headlining the Glastonbury Music festival.
Since then, the number of searches for “manifest” skyrocketed on the Cambridge Dictionary website with over 130,000 views. It wasn’t the only word, though. Other highly searched for words this year on their website included “brat” and “ecotarian,” which means someone who choses to live an environmentally conscious life.
Later this year the Oxford and Merriam-Webster Dictionaries will be releasing their words of the year.
