In the latest episode of “What Fresh Hell Is This?”, our fearless commentator delves into the baffling cultural phenomenon now dubbed “brat summer.” It turns out that brat is not a tasty sausage, but a trendy mindset originated from the vibrant yet perplexing world of pop music—specifically, from the musical stylings of a British artist nobody seems to have heard of, Charlie XCX. Now, unless you’ve been living under a rock or fully committed to preserving your sanity, you might be wondering what the heck a “brat” actually is. Spoiler alert: it’s a term that somehow transforms being obnoxious into a badge of honor.

Let’s break it down. To be a brat, according to the latest cultural lexicon, means to embody unapologetic confidence blended with vulnerability, a dash of authenticity, and a sprinkle of messiness—all delivered with a hefty side of cultural influence. Essentially, it celebrates a kind of chaos that suggests you can strut around in style while proudly showcasing your insecurities like trophies. If that sounds like the sort of thing one would expect from a middle school drama class, well, you’re not alone. The only thing missing is a juice box.

One of the brainiacs on the scene equated brat summer essentials to a strappy white top and a pack of cigarettes. How classy! It seems that in the pursuit of self-expression, basic decency and societal norms went right out the window. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the era where authenticity is presumably more important than, say, taking into consideration the comfort of those around you. If you need an example of pure bratitude, picture someone holding court in a lavish public space while dramatically proclaiming their life choices without an ounce of self-awareness. Who needs a filter when you can don the crown of “brat”?

And let’s talk about the political implications of this brat revolution. It seems like the “brat” attitude is being swept into the political arena, where the likes of Kamala Harris seem to be leading the charge. This is the new wave of female leadership? Being bratty? The thought leaves one yearning for a return to a calmer discourse, where leaders didn’t pitch their personalities as if they were pitching the latest line of overly stylized deodorant. Who knew that being “bold” in politics meant throwing the equivalent of a toddler’s tantrum over every minuscule inconvenience?

Even our fearless commentator suggests we should be more responsible adults—maybe even have a “fidelity summer” or “responsibility summer.” But why would anyone want to be responsible when they can be a brat? After all, with “brat summer,” it’s all about seizing the moment and throwing caution—and accountability—to the wind. In a world that feels increasingly disconnected from responsibility, the glorification of bratty behavior seems like one more strike against maturity and common sense. Next time someone tells you to embrace your inner brat, remember: there’s a difference between being bold and being a boor.

Let’s chalk up this cultural trend to the ebb and flow of internet culture, where anything can become a movement, as long as it’s loud, colorful, and slightly chaotic. So good luck to all the brats out there this summer; just remember to keep your antics contained to social media. The real world doesn’t have a mute button, and while you’re busy being unapologetic, others may be hoping for a ticket back to the days of good manners and genuine respect.