brain·rot kid /ˈbrān-ˌrät kid/
noun slang
1. a young person whose mind or behavior is perceived as dulled or overtaken by excessive exposure to online media such as viral videos, memes, or digital trends.
2. a child or teenager who frequently speaks, acts, or thinks in terms rooted in internet culture to the point of appearing detached from real-world awareness or critical thought.
Etymology: From brainrot (“mental dulling or degradation caused by overexposure to trivial digital media”) + kid (“child or young person”).
First use: Early 2020s.
Synonyms: meme kid; chronically-online teen; internet-addled youth.
Antonyms: bookworm; offline kid; outdoorsy child.
noun slang
1. a young person whose mind or behavior is perceived as dulled or overtaken by excessive exposure to online media such as viral videos, memes, or digital trends.
2. a child or teenager who frequently speaks, acts, or thinks in terms rooted in internet culture to the point of appearing detached from real-world awareness or critical thought.
Etymology: From brainrot (“mental dulling or degradation caused by overexposure to trivial digital media”) + kid (“child or young person”).
First use: Early 2020s.
Synonyms: meme kid; chronically-online teen; internet-addled youth.
Antonyms: bookworm; offline kid; outdoorsy child.
by Bash_KS_Basho November 12, 2025
Get the Brainrot Kidmug.