Slang dictionary
brainrot
[ brenrot ]
What does brainrot mean?
Brainrot, sometimes spelled brain rot, is a slang term used to describe the effects of being “perpetually online” and consuming large amounts of low-value internet content. The term, which can be used as both a noun and verb, is also used to describe an intense and often obsessive preoccupation with a particular topic, such as a TV show, movie, fandom, or idea. People experiencing brainrot often find themselves mindlessly scrolling through never-ending social media content.
Where does brainrot come from?
The exact origin of brainrot is unknown, but it is thought to have first appeared on the internet around 2007. Its early usage is tied to fandom circles, where individuals described their fixation on fictional characters, shows, or storylines as akin to their brains being “rotted” by their obsession. Over the years, the term has gained traction on platforms like Tumblr, Twitter, and TikTok.
Humorous memes and videos explaining the term often feature exaggerated, relatable depictions of people being consumed by a particular topic or low-quality internet content. One such popular meme is connected to a physical painting called The 2,000-Yard Stare. The 1940s painting shows a World War II soldier with a blank, distant expression reflecting war trauma. In internet culture, the painting has been humorously rebranded as “The 1,000-Yard Stare,” a viral meme that symbolizes the numbness and detachment connected with brainrot. In 2024, TikTok user @joshlunchbox helped further popularize the term in a viral video in which he discovered that the painting was a real-world artifact — not just an internet meme.
Examples of brainrot
Who uses brainrot?
The term brainrot is common among Gen Z and Generation Alpha, who are active on online social media platforms. It’s frequently used by people to discuss their hobbies, favorite media, or niche interests. People also use the term to describe being perpetually online and consuming low-quality internet content. Brainrot is used to convey both enthusiasm and self-awareness, often as a playful way to admit to being consumed by the internet. Some media outlets, psychologists, and parents, on the other hand, have voiced concerns that brainrot is a serious issue that negatively affects young people’s brains.
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of brainrot like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of brainrot that will help our users expand their word mastery.