What is Brain rot, the Oxford University 2024 word of the year? – BBC News
In a public vote held over two weeks, the term “brain rot” was crowned Oxford Word of the Year 2024 on December 2. More than 37,000 people participated in the voting process, highlighting the term’s growing relevance in today’s digital age. The decision reflects societal concerns about how online culture and excessive consumption of trivial content are shaping modern life.
Oxford Languages experts shortlisted six words that captured the mood of the year. After examining the public vote, language trends, and cultural shifts, “brain rot” emerged as the definitive winner. The term, defined as “the supposed deterioration of mental or intellectual state due to consuming trivial online content,” saw a dramatic 230% increase in usage between 2023 and 2024.
While “brain rot” traces its origins back to 1854, appearing in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, its meaning has evolved significantly. Thoreau initially used it to criticize societal tendencies to favor simple ideas over complex thought. Today, it has become a lens through which younger generations view the negative effects of low-quality digital content.
The term gained momentum on platforms like TikTok and is often used humorously by Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Viral trends such as Alexey Gerasimov’s Skibidi Toilet series and “only in Ohio” memes have amplified the concept, blending humor with criticism of nonsensical or bizarre content. Online slang like “skibidi” and “Ohio,” derived from these phenomena, demonstrates how “brain rot” has spurred a new wave of internet culture and language.
However, the term is not limited to jokes and memes. Experts and mental health professionals are beginning to address its darker implications. Earlier this year, a U.S. mental health center published advice on identifying and combating “brain rot,” especially in young people. This shift from humor to serious discourse underscores the growing concern about how excessive consumption of trivial content may affect cognitive development and mental health.
Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, noted that “brain rot” is a natural continuation of conversations about the digital age. “Last year’s winner, ‘rizz,’ showcased how language is born in online spaces. This year, ‘brain rot’ delves into the risks of spending too much time in those spaces,” Grathwohl explained. He also praised Gen Z and Gen Alpha for their self-awareness in using the term to critique their own online habits.
As Oxford Word of the Year celebrates 20 years, “brain rot” stands out for encapsulating a unique moment in digital culture. It highlights the tension between humor and harm, entertainment and overindulgence, and offers a thought-provoking insight into how our virtual lives are evolving.
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