Oxford University Press has named “brain rot” as its Word of the Year for 2024.
According to its website, the term “brain rot” won a public vote in which more than 37,000 people participated.
“Following a public vote in which more than 37,000 people had their say, we’re pleased to announce that the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024 is ‘brain rot,’” the statement read.
“Brain rot” is defined by Oxford University Press as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration.”
The press also noted that the definition of “brain rot” has evolved over the years.
“In 2024, ‘brain rot’ is used to describe both the cause and effect of this phenomenon, referring to low-quality, low-value content found on social media and the internet, as well as the subsequent negative impact that consuming this type of content is perceived to have on an individual or society,” it explained.
Commenting on the selection process for 2024’s Word of the Year, Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, said:
“Looking back at the Oxford Word of the Year over the past two decades, you can see society’s growing preoccupation with how our virtual lives are evolving, the way internet culture is permeating so much of who we are and what we talk about.”
“‘Brain rot’ 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. It’s not surprising that so many voters embraced the term, endorsing it as our choice this year,” Grathwohl added.
