“Brain Rot” Named Oxford Word of the Year 2024
The term “brain rot” has been crowned the Oxford Word of the Year 2024, reflecting the growing concern over the effects of excessive consumption of trivial online content. Selected through a public vote involving over 37,000 participants, the word captures a cultural moment shaped by digital habits and their impact on mental health.
What is “Brain Rot”?
Oxford University Press defines brain rot as:
“The supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.”
The term gained traction over the last year, witnessing a 230% increase in usage between 2023 and 2024. It is often associated with the effects of endless scrolling on social media and consuming mind-numbing, low-quality digital content.
Interestingly, its first recorded use dates back to 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden, showcasing how concerns over intellectual decline predate modern technology.
Competing Words for 2024 Word of the Year:
The five shortlisted contenders alongside brain rot were:
- Demure:
- Reserved or restrained in behavior or appearance; also, clothing that is modest or not overly revealing.
- Dynamic Pricing:
- Adjusting prices for products or services in response to changing market conditions.
- Lore:
- A collection of facts or background information about someone or something, often used in fandom or mythology.
- Romantasy:
- A genre blending romantic fiction and fantasy elements.
- Slop:
- Content, such as art or writing, created using artificial intelligence, often seen as lacking depth or originality.
Why “Brain Rot” Resonates
Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, emphasized the relevance of the term:
“Brain rot speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time… It’s fascinating how the term has been embraced by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who are both creators and consumers of the content it critiques.”
The choice reflects ongoing cultural conversations about technology, mental well-being, and the future of leisure.
With its roots in both history and contemporary life, “brain rot” aptly captures the challenges of navigating a digital age dominated by screen time and information overload.
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