This blog is part of Sunday Reading.Which given by Dr.Dilip Barad sir to explore word of the year 2024 : Brain Rot and Manifest.
Oxford Word of the Year: "Brain Rot"
‘Brain rot’ is defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration”
Our experts noticed that ‘brain rot’ gained new prominence this year as a term used to capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media. The term increased in usage frequency by 230% between 2023 and 2024.
The first recorded use of ‘brain rot’ was found in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden, which reports his experiences of living a simple lifestyle in the natural world.
In 2024, ‘brain rot’ is used to describe both the cause and effect of this, referring to low-quality, low-value content found on social media and the internet, as well as the subsequent negative impact that consuming this type of content is perceived to have on an individual or society.
The phrase "Brain Rot" has become a popular metaphor for the mental exhaustion and loss of focus caused by overstimulation, particularly from digital platforms. From doom-scrolling on social media to binge-watching content, "Brain Rot" encapsulates the fatigue of constantly consuming information. Its rise points to our growing awareness of the darker side of the digital age—how endless scrolling numbs our minds and distracts us from meaningful engagement with the world around us.
On a cultural level, this term highlights the paradox of modern life: the same technology designed to connect and inform us often leads to feelings of isolation and mental clutter. Societally, "Brain Rot" is a call to action—a recognition that we need to reclaim our mental clarity through mindfulness and intentional living.
Cambridge Word of the Year: "Manifest"
Manifest was looked up almost 130,000 times on the Cambridge Dictionary website, making it one of the most-viewed words of 2024.
The Cambridge Dictionary's definition of 'Manifest' in a colour graphics with illustrations of sports people
The word jumped from use in the self-help community and on social media to being widely used across mainstream media and beyond, as celebrities such as singer Dua Lipa, Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas and England striker Ollie Watkins spoke of manifesting their success in 2024.
"Manifest" taps into society's collective yearning for control in uncertain times, offering a sense of empowerment amidst chaos. However, it also invites debate about privilege and systemic barriers—can everyone truly manifest success, or is this concept more accessible to those already in positions of relative advantage?
Conclusion: The Power of Language
Words like "Brain Rot" and "Manifest" are more than just linguistic trends—they are mirrors reflecting our societal values, struggles, and aspirations. They spark conversations, inspire action, and challenge us to think critically about our habits and beliefs. As language evolves, it continues to shape and be shaped by the world we live in, highlighting the profound interplay between words and society.
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