‘Bruh’ has been chosen as the Dutch Youth Word of the Year 2024 by the NOS Jeugdjournaal. The word received the most votes, surpassing ‘bro’.
In early December, children could submit words via the Jeugdjournaal website and app. Over 20,000 words were submitted, and the editorial team shortlisted eight popular ones: bro, sigma, slay, bruh, glamour, ohio, rizzler, and skibidi.
Ultimately, ‘bro’ and ‘bruh’ were the finalists, with ‘bruh’ receiving 53% of the votes from more than 130,000 participants. ‘Bruh’ and ‘bro’ both originate from the English word “brother.” ‘Bro’ is used as a form of address, while ‘bruh’ expresses disappointment or disbelief.
Jeugdjournaal reporter Bart Tuinman remarked on the influence of the online world in popularizing these words, noting children’s desire for a distinct language. This was the first time NOS Jeugdjournaal organized this selection, while in Belgium, the Flemish Jeugdjournaal Karrewiet has been conducting similar polls, where ‘glamour’ won for 2024.
Source: NOS