Oxford University has named “brain rot” as its Oxford Word of the Year.

After over 37,000 votes, worldwide public discussion, and analysis of language data, the university has named ‘brain rot’ as their Word of the Year for 2024.

The first recorded use of the word brain rot was found in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden but the term has taken on new significance in the digital age.

Oxford’s given definition for the term said: “Supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.

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“(Also: something characterised as likely to lead to such deterioration.)”

Oxford University reports that the term brain rot has increased in usage frequency by 230 per cent between 2023 and 2024.

Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Languages, said: “Looking back at the Oxford Word of the Year over the past two decades, you can see society’s growing preoccupation with how our virtual lives are evolving, the way internet culture is permeating so much of who we are and what we talk about.

“Last year’s winning word, rizz, was an interesting example of how language is increasingly formed, shaped, and shared within online communities.

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“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.”

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