brain rot

== English == === Alternative forms === brain-rot, brainrot === Etymology === From brain +‎ rot. First attested in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden (1854). See cite below. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈbɹeɪn ˌɹɒt/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈbɹeɪn ˌɹɑt/ === Noun === brain rot (uncountable) (derogatory) The degradation of mental faculties, intelligence, common sense, or moral character. Coordinate term: brain damage For more quotations using this term, see Citations:brain rot. (slang, derogatory) Any form of media content that is deemed to hold little artistic value or negatively impact those who consume it. Coordinate terms: brain candy (viewed as likewise unsalutary but less harmful); junk food news, junk news; fake news 2011, John Vannisselroy, "Reality bites: we need less English Premier League", TNT Magazine, 15 August 2011 - 21 August 2011, page 52: So this winter, I'll chill on the couch watching The Only Way Is Essex or some similar brainrot instead, happy it'll be over in a[sic] hour […] For more quotations using this term, see Citations:brain rot. (fandom slang, derogatory or self-deprecatory) The state of being obsessed with a particular work of media, particularly to an extent considered to be embarrassing. Coordinate term: standom ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Descendants ==== → Dutch: breinrot (calque) → Vietnamese: thối não (calque) ==== Translations ====