The term “brain rot” was first recorded in 1854 and has recently seen a significant rise in usage, with a 230% increase in frequency between 2023 and 2024. If mindlessly scrolling through social media for hours has become part of your daily routine, you may be experiencing brain rot—a term Oxford University Press (OUP) has selected as its Word of the Year for 2024.
What does brain rot mean?
Oxford University Press selected six words for consideration, with “brain rot” chosen through a voting process (Unsplash/@mzynasx).
According to the official statement, it refers to “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially due to overconsumption of material (particularly online content) considered trivial or unchallenging.” The term also describes “something that is likely to cause such deterioration.” It is often used to express concerns about the excessive consumption of “low-quality online content,” particularly on social media.
How was the word chosen?
Oxford language experts shortlisted six words that “reflect the moods and conversations that have helped shape the past year.” Following this, a public vote was conducted, and the word ‘brain rot’ won. The experts also considered the public’s inputs and language data, in addition to the voting results, to definitively declare this phrase as the “Word of the Year for 2024.”
OUP reported that the term has gained a 230% increase in usage compared to 2023. Various social media platforms played a significant role in its rise. It has also found its place in mainstream journalism.
When was the term first used?
The term was reportedly first recorded in 1854 in the book Walden by Henry David Thoreau. The piece is about the author’s experience of “living a simple lifestyle in the natural world.”
“While England endeavours to cure the potato rot, will not any endeavour to cure the brain-rot – which prevails so much more widely and fatally?” he wrote in his book.
Who generation uses the word?
“I find it fascinating that the term ‘brain rot’ has been adopted by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, those communities largely responsible for the use and creation of the digital content the term refers to. These communities have amplified the expression through social media channels, the very place said to cause ‘brain rot’. It demonstrates a somewhat cheeky self-awareness in the younger generations about the harmful impact of social media that they’ve inherited,” said Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages.
What is social media’s verdict?
The word of the year received mixed reactions. While some expressed excitement, others had doubts. A few also chose hilarity as a way to react.
An individual wrote on Reddit, “When the dictionary says something is a word. Just roll with it. English is hard enough without more thought.” Another added, “It’s funny how everybody thinks it’s not about them.” A third commented, “Fitting for the moment honestly.” A fourth expressed, “Me thinks there’s a problem with this.”