# Brain Rot: Oxford University Press' 2024 Word of the Year ## What is Brain Rot? Think of "brain rot" as a metaphorical term, not a literal medical condition. Brain rot describes the perceived decline in mental or intellectual sharpness resulting from excessive consumption of low-quality online content. It's not a scientifically proven phenomenon, but rather reflects a growing societal concern about the impact of mindless scrolling and engagement with trivial or unchallenging material on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Spending hours watching low-effort videos or engaging with shallow online discussions could be considered contributing to "brain rot". The term's popularity surged by 230% from 2023 to 2024, highlighting its resonance with current anxieties surrounding online culture. While the phrase itself dates back to 1854 (Henry David Thoreau used it in *Walden*), its modern usage is inextricably linked to the digital age and the overwhelming amount of readily available, often superficial, online content. The original meaning, as used by Thoreau, focused on a societal devaluation of complex ideas and a decline in intellectual effort. Don't confuse "brain rot" with actual neurological conditions. It's a figurative expression. ## Why is "Brain Rot" Resonating Now? Professor Andrew Przybylski suggests the word's popularity is a symptom of our times, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the online world and anxieties surrounding social media's influence. It acts as a convenient label for these collective concerns. The term's rise reflects a broader societal conversation about the potential negative impacts of excessive social media use. Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, points out that the Oxford Word of the Year often reflects evolving societal preoccupations with technology and online culture. Previous words like "rizz" (2023) illustrate how language itself is shaped by online communities. "Brain rot," in contrast, highlights a perceived *danger* of this virtual life. ## Other Words on the Shortlist The Oxford University Press's 2024 shortlist included several other words reflecting contemporary trends: * **Demure:** Reserved or restrained in appearance or behavior. * **Dynamic pricing:** Varying prices based on market demand. * **Lore:** A body of knowledge or tradition. * **Romantasy:** A genre blending romance and fantasy. * **Slop:** Low-quality, inauthentic AI-generated content. Dynamic pricing is common in the airline industry, where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand and time until departure. ## Other Dictionary Words of the Year Oxford University Press isn't the only organization selecting a "word of the year." Other notable choices include: * **Cambridge Dictionary:** "Manifest" (reflecting a wellness trend of visualizing desired outcomes). * **Collins English Dictionary:** "Brat" (representing a confident, independent attitude). * **Dictionary.com:** "Demure" (popularized by a satirical TikTok trend). Comparing different dictionaries' word of the year choices offers insights into diverse perspectives on current cultural trends. ## Key Takeaways * "Brain rot" is a metaphorical term, not a medical diagnosis. * It reflects growing concerns about the negative impacts of excessive consumption of low-quality online content. * Its popularity highlights anxieties surrounding social media and the digital age. * The word's selection as Oxford University Press's word of the year reflects broader societal trends and anxieties.