The word ‘polarization’, which became an integral part of the socio-political discourse in 2024, is also Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year. The concept, often heard in political debate and dialogue, has come to define the growing divisions in societies worldwide. But what exactly does it mean, and why has it become so significant this year?

What is ‘polarization’?

According to Merriam-Webster, ‘polarization’ is defined as “division into two sharply distinct opposites; especially, a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes.”

Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster’s editor at large, told AP, “Polarization means division, but it’s a very specific kind of division. Polarization means that we are tending toward the extremes rather than toward the centre.”

In 2024, the concept resonated deeply, particularly in the context of the US presidential election, which left many feeling more divided than ever, according to AP. “The 2024 presidential election has left our country more polarized than ever,” noted MSNBC, while Fox News discussed how issues like immigration have intensified “voter polarization.”

While the term ‘polarization’ is heavily associated with political divides today, it traces its roots in the physical world. According to Merriam-Webster, “Polarization, and the verb polarize, date back to the early 1800s when they first described light waves. That physical meaning of polarize — ‘to cause to vibrate in a definite pattern — led to the political and cultural meaning that helps define the world today.”

The word is derived from the Latin polaris, meaning the Earth’s poles, and is also linked to the North Star, Polaris.

Significance of the 2024 Word of the Year

So, why did ‘polarization’ stand out as Merriam-Webster’s choice this year? According to Sokolowski, the term’s increasing usage reflects a societal shift toward more pronounced divides. He described ‘polarization’ as “a pretty young word” in the English language.

At a time marked by fake news, Sokolowski sees the dictionary as a stabilising force. He said, “It’s always been important to me that the dictionary serves as a kind of neutral and objective arbiter of meaning for everybody. It’s a kind of backstop for meaning in an era of fake news, alternative facts, whatever you want to say about the value of a word’s meaning in the culture.”

Oxford University Press (OUP) has announced ‘brain rot’ as the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024. The selection process for the word of the year 2024 involved over 37,000 public votes from a shortlist of six words compiled by Oxford University. The word ‘Brain Rot’ highlights the growing concerns around the effects of consuming trivial social media content on mental health.

Other words in OUP’s shortlist were demure, dynamic pricing, lore, romantasy, and slop. 

Also Read: ‘Brat’ named word of the year by Collins dictionary

What does ‘Brain Rot’ mean? 

‘Brain Rot’ describes the cognitive decline attributed to excessive exposure to mindless social media content. The term gained momentum alongside the rise of trends like ‘digital detoxes,’ where individuals consciously take breaks from screens to counteract feelings of burnout or mental stagnation. Linguists have noted that its casual tone makes it accessible, especially to younger audiences, while its evocative imagery resonates deeply with broader societal fears of intellectual decline.

According to OUP, ‘Brain Rot’ reflects the increasing concern over how technology is shaping human thought processes and habits. Its usage surged in recent years, particularly among younger demographics, to describe the mental fatigue caused by binge-watching videos, doomscrolling, or engaging with low-quality online content. 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.

Why did ‘Brain Rot’ win the public vote?

This year’s selection process was participatory, with the public invited to vote on a shortlist curated by language experts at OUP. Other contenders included ‘heat domes’, referring to prolonged periods of extreme weather, and ‘neurospicy’, a playful term describing neurodivergent individuals. However, ‘brain rot’ secured the majority of votes, reflecting widespread recognition of its relevance. The word also highlights the increasing discourse around digital detoxes and the prioritisation of mental health in an age dominated by screens. Its recognition in 2024 signals a cultural shift towards addressing the cognitive and emotional effects of the digital ecosystem.

What makes a Word of the Year? 

The Oxford Word of the Year is chosen based on its cultural relevance, frequency of usage, and ability to reflect global concerns. Previous winners include ‘goblin mode’ in 2022 and ‘climate emergency’ in 2019. Public voting plays a significant role, with this year’s selection process drawing over 400,000 votes globally.

‘Brain rot’ serves as a linguistic lens into a pivotal issue of the modern age, encouraging introspection about how digital habits influence mental well-being. It stands as a reminder of the importance of balanced content consumption and the growing need for mindfulness in a hyperconnected world.

By crowning ‘brain rot’ as 2024’s Word of the Year, Oxford University Press has spotlighted a term that encapsulates the era’s anxieties, aspirations, and evolving relationship with technology.