Oxford Dictionaries has officially named “brain rot” as its 2024 Word of the Year, capturing a growing cultural concern in the digital age. The term, which describes the supposed decline in mental or intellectual sharpness due to overconsumption of trivial or unchallenging online content, has seen a 230% surge in usage this year. Its resonance reflects how many people feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of digital distractions.

While it may seem like a modern phenomenon, “brain rot” has deeper roots—its first recorded use dates back to 1854, in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. In 2024, however, it has gained renewed prominence, becoming a shorthand for the perceived dangers of endless scrolling and shallow content.

The selection process combined public voting with expert analysis, and “brain rot” outpaced other finalists such as demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy, and lore. Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl emphasized how the term reflects a defining cultural moment, commenting, “It speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time. It feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology.”

The choice of “brain rot” follows last year’s word, “rizz,” a slang term derived from charisma that describes someone’s ability to attract or charm others. Meanwhile, Collins Dictionary’s 2024 Word of the Year, “brat,” underscores how cultural trends, such as the album title that became a symbol of carefree living, shape language.

Together, these words offer a snapshot of contemporary life—our evolving relationship with technology, entertainment, and identity. As digital habits continue to shape the human experience, “brain rot” serves as both a warning and a reflection of the challenges we face in an increasingly virtual world.

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