Exploring the Words of the Year 2024 | "Brain Rot" and "Manifest"

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Words of the year 2024

This blog will explore the chosen words, their meanings, origins, and significance.

Introduction:

The Words of the Year serve as cultural milestones, encapsulating societal, political, and technological trends. In 2024, major dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), Merriam-Webster, Collins Dictionary, and Dictionary.com have highlighted terms that reflect our collective preoccupations, from digital burnout to cultural polarization.



1. Oxford Word of the Year: "Brain Rot"

Definition:

"The supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state due to overconsumption of trivial, low-quality content, particularly online."
Context:

First recorded in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden, where he critiqued society's intellectual decline.
The term reemerged through Gen Z and Gen Alpha communities on platforms like TikTok, where "brain rot" is often used humorously to describe binge-watching videos or engaging in absurd, mindless memes​.

Why ‘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. As part of his conclusions, Thoreau criticizes society’s tendency to devalue complex ideas, or those that can be interpreted in multiple ways, in favor of simple ones, and sees this as indicative of a general decline in mental and intellectual effort: “While England endeavors to cure the potato rot, will not any endeavor to cure the brain-rot—which prevails so much more widely and fatally?”


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. Click here

Why It Matters:

"Brain rot" captures the ongoing concerns about digital overload and the psychological effects of consuming algorithm-driven content.
The word reflects a deeper cultural shift, with younger generations acknowledging the negative effects of internet consumption while ironically celebrating its absurdity through trends like the "Skibidi Toilet" series or "Ohio" memes.

Cultural Impact:

Mental health conversations now address how content consumption affects focus, creativity, and emotional well-being.
Experts suggest moderating online habits to combat "brain rot" and its growing impact on young people.


Words of the Year 2024: Manifest 





As we approach the end of 2024, the annual tradition of selecting a "Word of the Year" by various linguistic organizations, such as the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster, offers a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of language, culture, and society. This year, one word that stands out in both its growing popularity and its profound resonance is "manifest." Its significance in 2024 goes far beyond its historical meanings, resonating deeply within the social, political, and personal spheres of contemporary life.


Manifesting Identity and Purpose: 

Another profound way that "manifest" has found relevance in 2024 is through its connection to identity and purpose. As individuals navigate the complexities of the modern world, many are looking inward to manifest a life that aligns with their true selves. Social media influencers, motivational speakers, and life coaches have popularized manifestation techniques, encouraging people to focus their thoughts and intentions to attract their desires, dreams, and goals.

Yet, this focus on self-empowerment is not without its complexities. Critics argue that the idea of manifesting can sometimes oversimplify the challenges and systemic inequalities that prevent people from achieving their goals. Nonetheless, for many, manifesting is a tool for cultivating hope, resilience, and a sense of control over their own destinies.

Manifest and the Future: 

As we look to the future, "manifest" seems poised to continue its upward trajectory in both cultural conversations and everyday language. In a world that often feels unpredictable and chaotic, the idea of manifesting—shaping our own reality, both as individuals and as a collective—is more compelling than ever. Whether it’s manifesting personal well-being or contributing to societal progress, the word reflects a growing desire for intentionality, empowerment, and active participation in shaping the future.

 The word "manifest" in 2024 invites us to consider what it means to create, to bring about change, and to consciously shape our lives and the world around us. It serves as a reminder that, while we may not control everything that happens to us, we have the power to manifest our intentions into reality, however deep and far-reaching those intentions may be.

So, in this year of deep reflection and action, it’s no surprise that "manifest" has emerged as a symbol of our collective journey toward a more intentional, empowered, and purposeful world.



Words of the Year 2024: Brain Rot and Manifest—Two Sides of the Modern Coin

As 2024 continues to unfold, language enthusiasts, cultural commentators, and social media users are witnessing the rise of two terms that have captured the essence of our current era: brain rot and manifest. On the surface, these two words seem to sit on opposite ends of the spectrum—one reflecting mental fatigue from digital overload and the other representing the empowering act of shaping one’s destiny through intention. Yet, together, they encapsulate the complex relationship between our digital lives and our inner aspirations. In this blog, we’ll explore how brain rot and manifest have come to define the year 2024, offering a glimpse into our evolving relationship with technology, personal growth, and the future.

Conclusion:

In 2024, the words "brain rot" and "manifest" capture the duality of the modern experience. While brain rot reflects the mental fatigue and cognitive decline brought on by excessive digital consumption, highlighting the dangers of mindless scrolling and superficial content, Manifest offers a counterpoint, encouraging individuals to reclaim their power through intentional thinking and goal-setting. Together, these terms symbolize the challenge of navigating a digital world that can both drain and empower us, urging us to find a balance between passive consumption and active creation. By confronting brain rot and embracing the potential of manifest, we can reclaim mental clarity and shape the future we desire.

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