Oxford Languages has declared ‘brain rot’ as the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024, reflecting the evolving concerns surrounding online culture and its impact on mental well-being.
This decision, made public on Monday through a press release, marks a significant cultural moment as ‘brain rot’ surged in usage, especially among younger generations.
Defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging,” the term gained prominence throughout 2024, resonating strongly with those worried about the effects of excessive social media engagement and consumption of low-value content.
“We’re pleased to announce that ‘brain rot’ has emerged as the defining term for 2024,” said Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages.
“After a public vote with more than 37,000 participants, our team of experts reviewed the results and language data, concluding that this term encapsulates the growing conversations about the impact of online content on mental health,” he said.
Grathwohl also noted the term’s steep rise in usage, with its frequency increasing by a staggering 230% between 2023 and 2024.
Initially popularized by online communities, especially on platforms like TikTok, ‘brain rot’ has transcended the digital space to become a mainstream conversation topic.
The term is now widely used in journalism and public discourse, capturing concerns about the negative consequences of consuming trivial, low-quality content—often associated with viral videos and memes—on mental well-being.
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