“Rizz,” “fanum tax,” “skibidi toilet,” “huzz.” Although meaningless at first glance, these words, among many others, are ways of communication for Generation Z (Gen Z). This vocabulary is collectively known as “brain rot,” the use of specific social media terms and memes during conversations. The creativity of Gen Z has led them to create somewhat of a new global language that many other generations do not have, as brain rot is integrated into pop culture references all around the world. It is the language we didn’t know we needed.
Since it doesn’t take much brain power, everyone seems to understand brain rot in some way, as long as they are exposed to it. This makes people more connected, no matter their personal background. Marwah Oulalite (III) comments, “[Brain rot] is not simply shared nationally but also universally amongst young people.”
Brain rot also helps explain news from around the world in a way youth can understand more easily. For instance, former Vice President Kamala Harris used the slang term “femininomenon” during her presidential campaign to connect with her younger audience. Other phrases from the election era also helped young people stay engaged.
After the pandemic, teenagers have been less social and more isolated, often worrying about saying the wrong things, which is a symptom of “cancel culture.” To help with this, brain rot can provide an icebreaker, lightening the mood and helping people make connections based on a shared sense of humor. Some students have opposing views, however; Oulalite says, “[While] there is brain rot that is funny, […] there is brain rot that is [also] actually causing a rot in my brain.” Though some may find brain rot language corny or unamusing, this simply lets one know that they and that other person likely won’t get along. Those who enjoy the same brain rot slang are more likely to develop a better bond because of their shared sense of humor.
Brain rot humor additionally offers a refreshing break from the real world without requiring significant emotional or intellectual investment. It can be used as an escape from a stressful and emotionally draining reality, decreasing the chance of developing depression. Someone in a bad mental space may use apps like TikTok to consume less serious content, like brain rot, and experience a more positive side to life. These apps almost always make people laugh because the constant exposure to funny, relatable content they provide uplifts spirits and reduces stress.
Brain rot also serves as a creative outlet and a form of self-expression. People take trends and make them their own, turning jokes into something more personal. Eva Kelly (III) remarks, “When there’s a brain rot joke that’s kind of underground and your friends know it, […] it’s a good bonding experience and you get a good laugh.” Inside jokes between friend groups often start as brain rot humor but evolve into something unique that strengthens their connection. Brain rot pushes people to think outside the box when expressing themselves.
There is, of course, a fine line between using brain rot as a joke and letting it take over your entire personality. Too much brain rot may flatten individuality and can be detrimental to developing one’s individuality. Cristina Lopez-Tran (III) adds, “[Brain rot] doesn’t really affect people in a negative way unless it’s really all that they consume.”
It is important to be very mindful and very demure when using brain rot. Overindulging in it may distract people from being serious in dire situations. Laughing at brain rot terminology may be a fun way to deal with stressful current events, but when it becomes constant, we risk turning into shallow observers of the world. There are many political and economic issues surrounding our lives today, and constant joking can desensitize us to the gravity of those realities.
Brain rot, ultimately, should be balanced. Although it can be a useful instrument in creating connection, creativity and laughter, it should not replace thoughtful dialogue. At the end of the day, it is all about using brain rot wisely. #staywoke.