Oxford names ‘brain rot’ as word of the year, highlighting concerns over digital content’s impact on mental acuity

First penned by Henry David Thoreau in 1854, “brain rot” has reemerged as a digital-age critique, capturing unease over endless scrolling and low-value content.
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Oxford University Press has crowned ‘brain rot’ its Word of the Year, spotlighting concerns about the mental impact of consuming low-quality online content. Defined as the supposed decline in intellectual or mental acuity caused by excessive exposure to trivial material, the term has seen a 230% surge in use from 2023 to 2024, driven by social media trends.

The phrase has historical roots, first appearing in 1854 when American author Henry David Thoreau criticised society’s intellectual decay in his book Walden. However, it has gained new relevance in today’s digital age, particularly among younger generations. Oxford Professor Andrew Przybylski clarifies that ‘brain rot’ is less a diagnosis and more a reflection of collective anxieties about online life.

Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, notes that the term reflects broader concerns about how digital culture shapes modern identity and leisure. Its selection follows last year’s winner, ‘rizz,’ highlighting how internet slang continues to influence language. Alongside ‘brain rot,’ contenders like ‘Romantasy’ and ‘dynamic pricing’ illustrate the blend of digital culture, economic trends, and evolving lifestyles shaping language today.