Slime green word salad. Viral TikTok dances. 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.
Artist Charli XCX’s album “brat” was released on June 7 and debuted at No. 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.
Now that you’re caught up on the lingo, here are three ways to live out your very own “brat summer” in Nashville.
- There’s no better spot to film your version of the “Apple” TikTok dance than in an apple orchard. Apples will be ready to harvest soon, so check for updates from Breeden’s Orchard and Morning Glory Orchard. Then, you can show off your moves while picking up some fresh (and local) produce.
- Keep “brat summer” going into fall by catching Charli XCX at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The chart-topping pop doesn’t stop there — Chappell Roan’s playing a sold-out show Tuesday, Oct. 1 and Sabrina Carpenter headlines Bridgestone on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Prep for these shows by going to White Limozeen’s “Back to Brat” party tonight, Aug. 5.
- Cue up the album, strap on your helmet, and join other cyclists for this year’s Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, better known as BRAT. The six-day cycling tour hosted by Tennessee State Parks takes place Sept. 14-19. By our calculation, you could stream “brat” in full ~208 times.
