## What does it mean?
— **Brainrot** is a slang term that describes a state of mental fatigue or confusion. It often refers to feeling overwhelmed by too much information.
## Etymology (where it comes from)
— The word combines **"brain,"** from Old English *brægen,* meaning the organ of thought, and **"rot,"** from Old English *rotian,* meaning to decay.
## Historical origin
— This term likely emerged in the **United States** in the late 20th century. It reflects modern slang usage.
## Earliest records
— The term appears in **internet forums** and **social media** discussions, often in informal contexts.
## Variants and usage by country
- **Brain fog** (common in the U.S.)
- **Mental fatigue** (used in various English-speaking countries)
- **Cognitive overload** (more formal usage)
## Related words
- **Confusion**
- **Fatigue**
- **Overwhelm**
- **Dullness**
- **Malaise**