brainrot
/ˈbreɪnrɒt/
EN
A slang term referring to the gradual deterioration of cognitive function or critical thinking skills caused by excessive consumption of low-quality, mindless online content. It is also sometimes used humorously to describe feeling mentally foggy or unable to think clearly after unproductive screen time.
After scrolling TikTok for four hours straight, I have total brainrot and can't focus on my essay.
Etymology
The term originated in the mid-19th century to literally describe brain decay from disease, but it evolved into its modern internet slang sense around 2020 on platforms like TikTok and 4chan. It gained widespread popularity as a way to joke about the negative mental effects of constant social media use.
Translations
简体中文
脑腐,脑坏死,脑子坏掉
繁體中文
腦腐,腦壞死,腦子壞掉
日本語
脳腐れ,頭がぼーっとする,知能低下
한국어
뇌썩음,뇌기능 저하,멍해짐
Deutsch
Hirnverfall,Gehirnverrottung,Geistiger Verfall
Español
podredumbre cerebral,degeneración mental,cerebro frito
Português
podre cerebral,degradação cognitiva,cérebro frito
Français
pourriture cérébrale,déclin cognitif,cerveau en compote
Tiếng Việt
thối não,suy giảm trí não, não mơ hồ