Oxford Names 'Brain Rot' as 2024 Word of the Year

The term highlights the intellectual decline linked to overconsumption of trivial online content, sparking debate over its cultural relevance.

'Brain rot' is defined as the deterioration of mental or intellectual capacity due to excessive exposure to trivial or unchallenging online material.
The term reflects growing concerns about the impact of AI-generated content, social media trends, and digital distractions on attention spans and intellectual fulfillment.
Critics argue that 'brain rot' is an uninspired choice for Word of the Year, with some suggesting alternative terms like 'enshittification' to better capture the spirit of the age.
Oxford's selection follows previous internet-inspired choices, including 'rizz' in 2023 and 'goblin mode' in 2022, continuing a trend of words tied to online culture.
The phrase 'brain rot' dates back to Henry David Thoreau's 1854 work 'Walden,' where it was used to critique society's preference for simplicity over intellectual depth.