How to sum up 2024? The Oxford University Press word of the year is 'brain rot'

Many of us have felt it, and now it’s official: “brain rot” is the Oxford dictionaries’ word of the year.

Oxford University Press revealed that in 2024, the term “brain rot” saw a significant surge in popularity, experiencing a 230% increase in its usage compared to the previous year.

The definition provided by Oxford for “brain rot” describes it as the perceived decline in an individual’s mental or intellectual capacity, often attributed to excessive consumption of content, especially online material, that is considered trivial or lacking in substance.

The word of the year is intended to be “a word or expression that reflects a defining theme from the past 12 months.”

The selection of “brain rot” as the notable phrase for the year was a result of a combination of public voting and linguistic analysis conducted by Oxford lexicographers. It emerged victorious over five other finalists, namely demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy, and lore.

While it may seem a modern phenomenon, the first recorded use of “brain rot” was by Henry David Thoreau in his 1854 ode to the natural world, “Walden.”

Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl said that in its modern sense, “‘brain rot’ speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time.”

“It feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology. It’s not surprising that so many voters embraced the term, endorsing it as our choice this year,” he said.

Last year’s Oxford word of the year was “rizz,” a riff on charisma, used to describe someone’s ability to attract or seduce another person.

Collins Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year is “brat” – the album title that became a summer-living ideal.

Copyright © 2024 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Israel blocks humanitarian aid into Gaza after Hamas rejects ceasefire extension proposal

Netanyahu criticizes UN council accusing Israel of sexual crimes, slamming them as ‘terrorist supporters’

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is under fire from Israel…
More than 50 universities face federal investigations as part of Trump's anti-DEI campaign

Over 50 universities under federal scrutiny due to Trump’s efforts against diversity, equity, and inclusion

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion…
2025 government shutdown: Senate works to avert partial government shutdown ahead of midnight deadline

Senate striving to prevent partial government shutdown before midnight deadline in 2025

WASHINGTON — The Senate is once again facing a familiar situation on…
Edgewater stabbing: Lawsuit filed in death of Jayden Perkins, who died defending mother Laterria Smith from domestic violence

Lawsuit filed after Edgewater stabbing where Jayden Perkins lost his life protecting his mother Laterria Smith from domestic violence.

CHICAGO (WLS) — A new lawsuit was filed Thursday exactly one year…
Trump to visit the Justice Department, months after his criminal prosecutions were dismissed

Trump to visit Justice Department after his criminal prosecutions were dropped

President Donald Trump will be visiting the Justice Department to garner support…
Columbine victim's 2025 death ruled a homicide after injuries from school shooting contributed to sepsis

“Columbine Victim’s 2025 Death Declared a Homicide Due to Sepsis Linked to School Shooting Injuries”

A woman who was partially paralyzed during the 1999 mass shooting at…
Delphi murders: Full cellphone video recorded by victim Libby German posted online; Richard Allen files to appeal conviction

Libby German’s complete cell phone footage from Delphi murders shared online; Richard Allen seeks to appeal his conviction

DELPHI, Ind. (WLS) — There were new developments Thursday in the Delphi…
American Airlines Flight 1006 diverted to Denver International Airport, airplane engine catches fire after landing, FAA says

American Airlines Flight 1006 forced to land at Denver International Airport due to engine fire, as reported by FAA

DENVER — An American Airlines plane caught fire at Denver International Airport…
Jenna Elfman returns to her comedy roots for multi-arc guest spot with Tim Allen on ABC's 'Shifting Gears'

Actress Jenna Elfman goes back to comedy in a guest appearance with Tim Allen on ABC’s show ‘Shifting Gears’

Jenna Elfman is currently making an appearance on Tim Allen’s show “Shifting…
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni 'secrets' to be made public as bitter legal war gets MAJOR update

New developments in legal battle reveal undisclosed information from Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively’s protective order in her legal battle against Justin Baldoni will…
‘The Z-Suite’ Episode 7 Recap: Burger, She Wrote

Recap of Episode 7 – “Burger, She Wrote” from ‘The Z-Suite’

The next episode of The Z-Suite takes us on a different journey…
Department of Education layoffs: Illinois, Wisconsin join lawsuit to block Trump admin, layoffs at the Education Department

Illinois and Wisconsin participate in a lawsuit to prevent the Trump administration from laying off employees at the Department of Education.

WASHINGTON — An alliance of states led by Democrats is contesting the…