Oxford’s Word of the Year captures a modern condition familiar to many.

Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2024 Captures a Digital Dilemma

Oxford University Press (OUP) has named “brain rot” its Word of the Year for 2024, shining a light on a feeling many experience after excessive aimless scrolling online.

Selected through a public vote involving over 37,000 participants and an analysis of linguistic trends, “brain rot” reflects growing concerns about the mental toll of overconsuming trivial online content. OUP defines the term as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.”

Although “brain rot” saw a 230% increase in usage this year, it has surprisingly deep roots, first appearing more than a century ago in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. Thoreau lamented society’s preference for simplicity over intellectual depth, writing, “While England endeavours to cure the potato rot, will not any endeavour to cure the brain-rot – which prevails so much more widely and fatally?”

The term has surged in relevance, fueled by growing concerns about the impact of low-quality digital content. Earlier this year, a U.S. behavioral healthcare provider began offering treatment for brain rot, describing it as a condition characterized by “mental fogginess, lethargy, reduced attention span, and cognitive decline.” The provider identified behaviors like doomscrolling and social media addiction as key contributors. Suggested remedies include setting screen-time limits and taking digital detoxes.

Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Languages, highlighted the word’s resonance with younger generations. “’Brain rot’ speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time,” he said. “I also find it fascinating that Gen Z and Gen Alpha have amplified the term through the very social media platforms said to cause it. It demonstrates a cheeky self-awareness about the harmful impact of their digital environment.”

“Brain rot” beat out other contenders such as “lore,” a term for background information essential to understanding a subject; “romantasy,” blending romantic fiction and fantasy genres; and “slop,” referring to low-quality AI-generated content. Also shortlisted was “demure,” a word that went viral this summer on TikTok and recently won Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year.

Last year’s Word of the Year was “rizz,” a slang term derived from “charisma,” referring to someone’s ability to attract a romantic partner. This year’s choice, however, underscores the growing anxiety around digital consumption and its impact on mental health.

As the use of “brain rot” continues to evolve, it seems this century-old term has found its place in modern discourse.