Oxford University Press names "brain rot" as its 2024 word of the year in a nod to modern scrolling habits. "The term has taken on new significance in the digital age."

Oxford University Press said the phrase "brain rot" gained "new prominence in 2024," with its frequency of use increasing 230% from the year before.

Oxford University Press has named “brain rot” as its 2024 Word of the Year, reflecting concerns about mental strain from consuming trivial or unchallenging online content.