2024, what a year! Brain rot, polarization, and brat–the first three words that come to mind when someone mentions 2024. With most of the latest trends–ranging from fashion and products, to new dances– being located back to a central source of social media, it can be confidently assumed that this year has definitely embraced Oxford’s word of the year: brain rot. Another word that Merriam-Webster determined took the cake compared to other words was Polarization: the division into two sharply distinct opposites. With the year 2024 being an election year, the word polarization can effectively describe this year in just 12 letters and five syllables. And last but not least, the word that the world embraced during the summer was Brat. Taking over summers and hearts, Charlie XCX’s Brat Album not only became an inspiration towards a series of trends but also was named Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year.
Starting with an iconic pop culture couple that has taken over For You pages are Nara Smith and Lucky Blue. The super tall, supermodel couple has gained an audience with Nara’s traditional homemade meals, with her videos ranging from how to make homemade gum to how to make sunscreen. While some viewers praise the couple for their unique lifestyle, others have taken to social media to criticize the falsity of some recipes and the videos themselves. Regardless, these two have been memorable moments of the year.
Another legendary movie featuring an unexpected pair was Deadpool and Wolverine. With the movie’s fantastic advertising, quality, Ryan Reynolds charm, and Hugh Jackman’s abs— the movie was definitely a 2024 must-watch. Another duo of pink and green was the release of Wicked Part 1. With Ariana Grande and Cynthia Ervio’s songs, people are guaranteed to have those songs in their heads. As a person who watched Wicked on its release date, Aiyanna Reed (11) expresses, “I just couldn’t get enough of the songs and the amazing cinematography.”
Adding to the long list of classic duos of 2024 are Drake and Kendrick. Initiated eleven years ago when Kendrick allegedly insulted Drake on the song Control; since then, the two began feuding over the span of eleven years, occasionally sneaking insults at each other. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that the sparks became flames, and the two initiated a battle with each other; in the end, Kendrick claimed victory with his song “Not Like Us.”
Moreover, a cultural moment that took over the captivating eyes of many was the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. With the Olympics happening every four years as well as the political election, the year 2024 was lucky enough to be the host of these quadrennial events. A few of the many notable Olympians representing the United States in this year’s Olympics included Ilhona Maher, women’s Rugby; Simone Biles, women’s gymnastics; Katie Ledecky, 800-meter freestyle; Suni Lee, women’s gymnastics; and Caleb Dressel, men’s 4x100m freestyle relay. But another unforgettable olympian was Rachel Gunn, better known by her break dancer name, RayGun. Her dance had received heavy criticism and mocking, it even came to the extent of a hypothetical musical.
Last but not least, this year went by so fast, you need to take a 360 to even realize it went by so fast, it was Hot to Go over to the year 2025. With a great thanks to Chappell Roan and Charlie xcx, Gen Z now has a theme song. Worldwide, Brat Summer has taken over.
