Oxford Word of the Year 2024 – Brain Rot

December 4, 2024

Recently, “brain rot” has been declared the Oxford Word of the Year, followed by a public vote with over 37,000 participants. Language experts reviewed six nominated words reflecting recent societal trends.

Definition of Brain Rot

“Brain rot” signifies a decline in mental health due to excessive consumption of trivial content. It marks concerns over the impact of low-quality online material, particularly on social media platforms.

Rise in Popularity

The term’s usage surged by 230% from 2023 to 2024. Its popularity correlates with growing worries about the effects of mindless content consumption, especially among younger generations.

The phrase “brain rot” first appeared in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s book, Walden. Thoreau critiqued society’s preference for simpler ideas over complex thoughts. He viewed this trend as indicative of a decline in intellectual engagement.

Usage in Modern Culture

Today, “brain rot” is prevalent on social media, particularly TikTok, and resonates with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. It is often used humorously to describe online culture’s absurdities, including viral content and memes.

New Language Trends

The term has inspired new vocabulary, such as “skibidi” for nonsensical events and “Ohio” for embarrassing moments. These terms reflect a shift in how people discuss trivial online phenomena.

There is an increasing focus on the mental health implications of “brain rot.” Experts warn about the potential harm to young people’s mental well-being. A US mental health centre has even provided guidance on recognising and avoiding “brain rot.”

Important Facts for Exams:
Gen Z: Gen Z refers to individuals born from the late 1990s to early 2010s. This generation is known for its digital fluency and engagement with social media culture, influencing trends .
Skibidi Toilet: Skibidi Toilet is a viral video series created by Alexey Gerasimov. It combines absurd humour with animation. The series has become a cultural phenomenon, contributing to “brain rot” discussions.
Ohio: Ohio is a US state often referenced in memes. It represents absurdity and embarrassment in online culture. The term has gained popularity as part of “brain rot” language evolution.

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