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It demonstrates a somewhat cheeky self-awareness in the younger generations. – Casper Grathwohl
Alright, let me see if I can fight through the brain rot to let you guys know what the word of the year is. Yep, it’s brain rot. Since it’s technically two words, it feels very fitting that it would be the 2024 Word of the Year.
You know that creeping sense of decay that fogs your brain after too much TikTok scrolling or endless hours of video games? Yep, that’s it. And this year, it’s making entertainment news headlines by being the official Word of the Year, as declared by Oxford University Press after more than 37,000 people voted and weighed in on public commentary and language data.
“Brain rot” has been named Oxford University 2024 word of the year pic.twitter.com/ixHX1SMp8r
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) December 2, 2024
“‘Brain rot’ speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time,”said Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Languages, in Monday’s announcement, per Oxford Dictionary.“It demonstrates a somewhat cheeky self-awareness in the younger generations about the harmful impact of the social media that they’ve inherited.”
@anneliese_lyrics heavy #catmemes #brainrot #crazy ♬ original sound – anneliese_lyrics
Brain Rot Lore
Here’s a fun fact for you word nerds (like me): the term“brain rot”actually dates back to Henry David Thoreau’sWalden. Yes, the same HDT who inspired your crunchy, granola aesthetic. InWalden, he writes,“While England endeavors to cure the potato-rot, will not any endeavor to cure the brain-rot, which prevails so much more widely and fatally?”Oh, Henry, if only you knew. We’ve traded potatoes for endless scrolling, and honestly? Not an upgrade.
i really need all employed people to tell me how they survive the brainrot every day i am just 22 and i feel like i am decaying how do you all stay sane in these archaic corporate structures
— molly (@guacamolz) March 27, 2024
But here’s why I think“brain rot”is genius as a Word of the Year. It’s not just a descriptor; it’s a generational mood. Gen Z has turned this once-derogatory phrase into a badge of“cheeky self-awareness.”Sure, technology overload is damaging, but we’re owning it—and laughing about it. That’s peak Gen Z laissez-faire energy: Yeah, we know. Whatever.
how it feels talking to someone whose brain rot and hyper fixation is just as bad as yours pic.twitter.com/CdNLAaxdne
— emms! is so julien 💚 (@distantsolarsys) May 23, 2024
When I first heard“brain rot” years ago, I rolled my eyes. It felt like another fear-mongering phrase cooked up to sell herbal teas and gimmicky brain apps. Now? It’s evolved into a snarky acknowledgment of our collective doom-scrolling habits.
According to OUP, it’s defined 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.”
@haleyybaylee♬ original sound – haleyybaylee
Why Not ‘Brat?’
The word beat out contenders like“lore,” “romantasy” (any ACOTAR stans in the house?!), and“demure.”But the one I thought had“Word of the Year”written all over it was “brat.” Seriously, we’ve seen“brat”pop up everywhere—from viral TikTok trends to the presidential election.
So, what is brat? Beyond the obvious nod to Charli XCX’s iconic album, “brat”is whatever you want it to be. It’s about embracing your inner chaos and being unapologetically bratty—sass, attitude, and all.
Alas, better luck next time, “brat.”For those of you keeping score at home, feel free to check out our entertainment betting odds to start placing bets on next year’s Word of the Year. Until then, I’m signing off before the brain rot sets in.
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