"Brain rot" is a term that describes either the cause or effect of spending hours online viewing trivial information. It communicates concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media, Oxford University Press language experts said.

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.