Oxford Dictionary Names "Brain Rot" as 2024 Word of the Year

Scrolling through your phone has become a daily routine for many, but spending hours mindlessly absorbing content from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads can lead to a phenomenon known as "brain rot." This term has been officially chosen as the Oxford English Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2024. According to The Guardian, over 37,000 people participated in the voting process, with "brain rot" triumphing over other contenders such as "demure," "dynamic pricing," "lore," "romantasy," and "slop."

Understanding "Brain Rot"

The term "brain rot" reflects growing concerns about the excessive consumption of low-quality digital content, particularly on social media. From 2023 to 2024, its usage surged by an astonishing 230%, encapsulating the frustration many feel towards online information overload. It describes a hypothetical decline in an individual's mental acuity, attributed to an overindulgence in trivial and mindless content. This concept dates back to before the internet, originating from American author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau, who coined the term in his 1854 work, "Walden." Thoreau criticized society's tendency to devalue complex thoughts, linking it to a broader decline in human intellect and knowledge.

The Rise of Digital Overload

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, especially among Generation Z and Alpha (those born after 2010), "brain rot" has become a mainstream term. It describes the overwhelming intake of poorly crafted, low-value content prevalent on social media platforms. While many use the term to express their frustrations, it's essential to note that there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of "brain rot" as a legitimate condition. Casper Grathwohl, the director of the Oxford University Press, noted that examining the last two decades of annual word selections reveals a growing societal concern about how virtual living is evolving and infiltrating our daily conversations.

Other Contenders for Word of the Year

Other noteworthy nominees for the 2024 Oxford Word of the Year included:

• Demure: An adjective describing a person who appears reserved or restrained in behavior, often relating to modest attire.


• Dynamic Pricing: A noun referring to the practice of adjusting prices for products or services based on changing market conditions, particularly charging higher prices during peak demand.


• Lore: A noun encompassing the collection of hypothetical facts, background information, and anecdotes about a subject, deemed necessary for insightful discussions.


• Romantasy: A noun describing a genre that combines elements of romance and fantasy, typically featuring magic or supernatural themes intertwined with romantic plots.


• Slop: A noun referring to low-quality, inauthentic content generated using artificial intelligence and shared indiscriminately online.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

The rise of terms like "brain rot" highlights a critical conversation about mental health in the digital age. With countless hours spent online, users may experience increased anxiety and stress due to the constant barrage of information. Experts suggest that moderation and mindful consumption of digital content can help mitigate these effects. Engaging with high-quality, enriching content instead of mindless scrolling can lead to a more balanced digital experience.

Cambridge Dictionary's Word of the Year

Oxford isn't alone in recognizing significant terms; the Cambridge Dictionary announced its 2024 Word of the Year as "manifest." Traditionally, this term means something that is easily noticeable or apparent. However, it has recently gained a new verb usage, implying the act of visualizing one's goals and believing that such thoughts can make those goals more attainable. This shift in meaning has been endorsed by celebrities like Dua Lipa, who spoke about her own "manifest" experiences during a prominent performance at Glastonbury.

Future Trends in Language

The evolution of language in response to societal changes is fascinating. As digital culture continues to grow, new terms will likely emerge, reflecting our collective experiences and challenges. Understanding and adapting to these changes can help us navigate the complexities of modern life and communication. Monitoring how language evolves in the digital landscape will provide insights into our society's values and concerns.