December 2, 2024 · 12:08 AM PST
As we wrap up another year, the Oxford University Press has announced its word of the year for 2024 – and it’s a term that’s been making waves in popular culture. Brain rot, a phrase that refers to the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state due to excessive online content consumption without much narrative value, has taken the top spot.
A Brief History of Brain Rot
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), published by Oxford University Press, defines brain rot as "the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state" caused by overexposure to social media, streaming services, and other online content. This term has been gaining traction in recent years, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly concerned about the impact of technology on their mental health.
How Oxford University Press Chooses Its Word of the Year
Each year, the OED’s editors scour a massive corpus of text data – containing over 26 billion words from news sources across the English-speaking world. This extensive research helps identify the "moods and conversations" that have shaped the past 12 months. In 2024, brain rot emerged as a dominant theme in online discourse.
A Look at Other Notable Words Added to the OED
While brain rot might be the word of the year, it’s not the only notable addition to the OED’s lexicon. Among the newest entries is tech-savvy, which has its earliest known use dating back to the 1980s. This term refers to someone who is skilled and knowledgeable about technology.
The Rise and Fall of Other Trendy Terms
Interestingly, brain rot doesn’t appear in the OED’s dictionary yet, nor do other popular terms like rizz or goblin mode, which were previously recognized as word of the year in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Despite their cultural significance, these terms haven’t demonstrated sustained and widespread usage to meet the OED’s standards.
The Wait May Be Long
For those hoping to see brain rot added to the dictionary soon, it may take a while. As with any new word, it needs to demonstrate consistent usage across various contexts before being officially recognized by the OED.
What Does This Mean for Our Online Behavior?
The emergence of brain rot as word of the year serves as a timely reminder about the impact of technology on our mental health. As we continue to navigate the online world, it’s essential to strike a balance between engagement and self-care.
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