Oxford University Press (OUP) has announced ‘brain rot’ as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024, reflecting a defining cultural and societal theme of the year. The term gained prominence due to concerns over the detrimental effects of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially via social media. Selected through a global public vote involving over 37,000 participants and expert analysis of language trends, ‘brain rot’ captures the zeitgeist of 2024, where digital consumption and its consequences have been central topics of discussion.
First recorded in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden, the phrase has evolved to gain renewed relevance in the digital age. Initially popularized by Gen Z and Gen Alpha communities on platforms like TikTok, the term is now being used more broadly, including in mainstream journalism, to articulate concerns about the societal and individual impacts of online habits.
OUP’s language experts shortlisted six contenders for the 2024 Word of the Year, reflecting cultural and societal trends. The term won due to,
Summary/Static | Details |
Why in the news? | Brain rot named Oxford Word of the Year 2024 |
Announced By | Oxford University Press (OUP) |
Selection Process | Public vote (37,000+ participants) and expert analysis |
Meaning | Refers to low-quality online content and its negative impacts on consumers |
Historical Origin | Coined by Henry David Thoreau in Walden (1854) |
Modern Popularity | Rose to prominence via Gen Z and Gen Alpha on TikTok |
Key Usage in 2024 | Describes societal concerns over digital consumption and its consequences |
Cultural Impact | Reflects the digital age’s mental health and content quality debates |
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