Oxford Names ‘Brain Rot’ Word of the Year for 2024
Mexico City, January 12, 2026 – Oxford University Press announced ‘brain rot’ as its Word of the Year for 2024, a term capturing the perceived deterioration of mental health due to overconsumption of low-quality online content. Selected after a public vote involving over 37,000 participants, it highlighted growing concerns about social media’s impact on younger generations.
What is Brain Rot?
‘Brain rot’ refers to the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, often attributed to excessive exposure to trivial or unchallenging material, particularly on social media. The term gained prominence in 2024, with its usage increasing by 230% compared to the previous year. It originated from Henry David Thoreau’s 1854 work “Walden,” but evolved to describe modern digital habits, including viral trends like Skibidi Toilet videos and ‘only in Ohio’ memes. Experts noted its humorous yet serious undertones, as it self-reflectively addressed Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s role in creating and consuming such content.
Why Brain Rot?
Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, explained that ‘brain rot’ represented a shift in online culture, moving from curiosity-driven engagement to emotion-manipulating tactics. It followed last year’s winner, ‘rizz,’ and formed part of a broader conversation about technology’s influence on humanity. The term also sparked discussions on mental health, with U.S. centers advising on avoiding excessive low-value content. In 2024, it resonated due to social unrest, debates on content regulation, and digital wellbeing concerns, emphasizing how algorithms amplify outrage and lead to exhaustion.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | The supposed deterioration of mental or intellectual state from overconsumption of trivial online content. |
| Usage Increase | 230% between 2023 and 2024. |
| Public Vote | Over 37,000 people participated in the selection process. |
| Origin | First recorded in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau; modern usage tied to social media. |
| Cultural Impact | Associated with viral memes, humor, and serious mental health discussions. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘brain rot’ mean exactly?
It describes the idea that consuming too much low-quality online content can harm one’s mental sharpness or well-being, often used in a lighthearted way to critique social media habits.
How was ‘brain rot’ chosen?
Oxford’s lexicographers shortlisted six words, including ‘brain rot,’ based on language data and trends. A public vote narrowed it down, with experts considering input, voting results, and usage patterns.
Is ‘brain rot’ a new word?
No, it dates back to the 19th century, but its meaning expanded in 2024 to address contemporary digital concerns, making it timely for the Word of the Year.
What are previous Oxford Words of the Year?
Examples include ‘rizz’ (2023), ‘goblin mode’ (2022), ‘vax’ (2021), and ‘post-truth’ (2016), each reflecting societal moods and conversations.