‘Brain Rot’ Crowned Oxford Word of the Year 2024
Oxford University Press (OUP) has announced ‘brain rot’ as its 2024 Word of the Year, following a public vote involving over 37,000 participants. The term, which topped a shortlist of six words, reflects growing societal concerns about the impact of trivial social media content on mental health and cognitive well-being. Other shortlisted words included demure, dynamic pricing, lore, romantasy, and slop.
‘Brain rot’ describes mental fatigue or cognitive decline caused by consuming excessive low-quality digital content, such as doomscrolling or binge-watching. It has gained popularity among younger audiences, often linked to the rising trend of digital detoxes aimed at mitigating burnout. Linguists highlight its relatable tone and evocative imagery, making it a powerful metaphor for societal fears about intellectual stagnation in the digital age.
OUP emphasized the term’s relevance in 2024, capturing the broader cultural shift toward prioritizing mental health amid a screen-dominated world. Public voting, a key factor in the selection process, demonstrated strong recognition of the term’s resonance. By selecting ‘brain rot,’ OUP underscores the need for mindfulness in navigating the digital landscape and encourages reflection on the cognitive impact of modern technology.
