Leading dictionaries have unveiled their Words of the Year for 2024, reflecting significant cultural shifts and societal values. The selected words 'brain rot', 'demure', 'manifest', and 'brat' capture the anxieties and aspirations of contemporary society.
Oxford's Choice: 'Brain Rot'
Oxford University Press designated 'brain rot' as its Word of the Year following a public vote that saw over 37,000 participants. This term describes the perceived decline in mental acuity due to the overconsumption of trivial online content, particularly on social media platforms. Its usage has surged by 230% from 2023 to 2024, indicating growing concerns about the impact of superficial digital content on critical thinking and intellectual engagement. The term, which dates back to Henry David Thoreau's Walden, has gained traction as a descriptor for the cognitive toll of mindless scrolling in today's digital age.
Cambridge's Selection: 'Manifest'
The Cambridge Dictionary selected manifest as its Word of the Year, driven by a significant increase in searches nearly 130,000 lookups. The modern interpretation of 'manifest' relates to visualizing and affirming goals to make them more likely to occur, a concept popularized by social media influencers. Its rise is intertwined with a cultural shift towards self-empowerment, especially during the pandemic when many sought guidance on achieving personal aspirations.
Collins Dictionary's Word: 'Brat'
Collins Dictionary introduced 'brat' as its Word of the Year, reflecting a confident and hedonistic attitude popularized by Charli XCX's music. This term has evolved from its historical roots to represent a bold lifestyle and aesthetic, capturing the spirit of defiance and individuality prevalent in 2024.
Dictionary.com's Choice: 'Demure'
Dictionary.com chose 'demure', traditionally meaning modest or reserved, as its Word of the Year. Its usage skyrocketed by nearly 1200% in 2024, largely influenced by social media trends. The term now embodies a sophisticated appearance or behavior, particularly in professional settings, marking a shift in how individuals express identity and self-presentation post-pandemic.
These Words of the Year not only highlight linguistic trends but also serve as cultural barometers for 2024. They reflect society's navigation through rapid technological changes and evolving identities, illustrating how language adapts to our collective experiences and values.
