LONDON — The Oxford Dictionaries has officially declared “brain rot” as the word of the year for 2024. This phrase has taken on new significance, as its usage surged by 230% over the past year.
“Brain rot” refers to the notion that a person’s mental state deteriorates, particularly due to consuming excessive trivial or unchallenging content, especially online. This reflects a broader concern many have about the effects of endless scrolling through meaningless information.
The word of the year aims to capture a significant theme from the past twelve months. The selection process combined public voting with the expertise of Oxford’s language analysts. “Brain rot” was favored over other contenders, including “demure,” “slop,” “dynamic pricing,” “romantasy,” and “lore.”
Interestingly, the term is not entirely new. Its earliest recorded use is traced back to Henry David Thoreau in his 1854 work “Walden,” where he reflected on the importance of nature and thoughtful living.
Casper Grathwohl, the president of Oxford Languages, noted that in today’s context, “brain rot” highlights concerns about our virtual lives and how we spend our leisure time. Many feel the impact of online distractions, which can lead to a decline in our cognitive health.
In comparison, last year’s word of the year was “rizz,” a term describing someone’s charm or ability to attract others. Collins Dictionary also revealed that their word of the year for 2024 is “brat,” which references a cultural moment shaped by a specific album over the summer.
As discussions about technology and its influence on our lives continue, the acknowledgment of “brain rot” serves as a reminder of the need for mindfulness in our digital consumption.
