Capturing 2024: The Year of Cognitive Overload

LONDON (AP) — It’s been officially recognized: “brain rot” has been named the Oxford Dictionaries’ word of the year for 2024. According to Oxford University Press, this compelling term has seen a surge in usage, increasing by an astonishing 230% compared to the previous year.

Defined by Oxford as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, particularly as a result of excessive engagement with trivial or unchallenging online content,” the term captures a significant sentiment regarding modern digital consumption.

The choice of the word of the year aims to encapsulate a defining concept that has resonated over the last twelve months. The selection of “brain rot” was determined through a combination of public voting and linguistic analysis conducted by Oxford lexicographers. It outshone five other contenders: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy, and lore.

While it may seem like a recent addition to our lexicon, the phrase “brain rot” was first used by the renowned writer Henry David Thoreau in his 1854 classic, “Walden,” where he celebrated the beauty of nature.

Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl stated, “In its contemporary context, ‘brain rot’ addresses one of the perceived hazards of living in a virtual world and highlights how we choose to spend our leisure time.” His remarks underscore the cultural relevance of the term as it reflects broader concerns about digital consumption today.

Last year’s Oxford word of the year was “rizz,” a contemporary term for charisma, often used to describe someone’s charm in attracting or seducing others. Meanwhile, the Collins Dictionary’s word of the year for 2024 is “brat,” inspired by a popular summer album that has influenced modern lifestyle trends.