Oxford Dictionaries has officially named “brain rot” its Word of the Year for 2024.
According to Oxford University Press, the phrase saw a 230% increase in usage this year, reflecting just how much it resonated with our digital lives.
So, what is “Brain Rot”? Oxford 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.” In other words, it’s the feeling we get after bingeing endless TikToks, doomscrolling news feeds, or diving into a black hole of memes.
The Word of the Year is chosen to reflect a defining theme of the past year, and “brain rot” stood out among finalists like demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy, and lore.
Believe it or not, this is NOT a new phrase. It was first used in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.
This year’s Word of the Year isn’t just about the rise of a catchy phrase; it’s a wake-up call. It reflects how technology, while connecting us, can also overwhelm us, leaving us mentally drained. As we step into another year of digital immersion, “brain rot” serves as a reminder to balance screen time with moments of meaningful engagement.
So, next time you feel yourself falling into the online abyss, remember Thoreau’s advice and maybe take a breather in nature. Your brain will thank you.
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