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Brain rot cheat sheet

Bethel Woche, Staff Writer

January 28, 2025

According to Oxford University Press, the usage of the term “brain rot” increased by 230% between 203 and 2024. (Artwork used with permission by Canva)

Brain rot

(Artwork used with permission by Canva)

Brain rot (noun)

The supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material, is considered to be trivial or unchallenging (Oxford University Press).

Synonyms: smooth brain, brain damage, mental disorder.

When certain memes gain popularity, they often introduce unknown words that last in teenagers’ terminology for months to come. These brain rot symptoms have spread rapidly; however, those with more offline lives find themselves lost in conversations. This brain rot survival guide will outline the usage and context of several terms. LHS students gave their best shot with each word by describing what the word means or providing an example.

(Artwork used with permission by Canva)

Aura (adjective)

An invisible energy that someone radiates or an impression when around someone. This can either be used positive or negative.

Synonyms: spirit, atmosphere, soul.

Correct definition: “Coolness [or an] alternative vibe,” said James Jensen.

(Artwork used with permission by Canva)

Cooked (verb or adjective)

To describe a person, place or thing in an excessively negative way. Synonyms: humiliated, dominated, shame.
Correct definition: “You are all messed up,” said Toby Yates.
Incorrect definition: “No longer raw,” said Phoenix Wilson.

(Artwork used with permission by Canva)

Looksmaxxing (verb)

The physical progress of an individual’s body in order to make oneself more attractive and/or fit typical standards. Beginning with their best features and enhancing them.

Synonyms: self-improvement, grooming, enhancement.

Correct definition: “When your face card is giving and you’re serving,” said Eiddan Castello Nieves.
Correct definition: “Using different techniques to make you look your best,” said Sydney Hartmann.

(Artwork used with permission by Canva)

Rizz (adjective)

The capability to successfully speak to a person of interest in a romantic or flirty way.

Synonymous: charm, personality, appeal.

Correct definition: “Charisma,” said Hartmann.

Correct definition: “Super awesome and pog champ,” said Prentice Jensen.

(Artwork used with permission by Canva)

Sigma (noun)

Typically a male is deemed cool and independent as they create their own path in life.

Synonyms: greatest, prime, top-quality.

Correct definition: “The best. Top of the top,” said Katherine Spencer.
Correct definition: “Someone cool,” said Marrie Luther.

(Artwork used with permission by Canva)

Still water (noun)

A body of water that has no movement, even after an object has fallen into the water.

Synonyms: calm water, stagnant water, motionless water.

Correct definition: “Those who know,” said Gabe Schmit.
Correct definition: “Water that does not move,” said Eiddan Castello. Nieves.

(Artwork used with permission by Canva)

Winter arc (noun)

A process over the winter when someone consistently improves and alters their self-image.

Synonyms: cold season, frosty chapter, blizzard bridge.

Correct definition: “The winter arc refers to a period where individuals use the coldest, darkest days of the year as a means to refocus, pre-visualize and arrive at their desired destination,” said Anonymous.
Incorrect definition: “Winter is a season. The arc part is where you lose me,” said Phoenix Wilson.

About the Contributor

Bethel Woche, Social Media Coordinator

Bethel Woche is a senior at LHS and a Social Media Coordinator for the Statesman. Woche participates in track and field as a hurdler and is a leader at Collision. When she is not out for a run or studying to maintain her 4.0 GPA, she enjoys reading books, expressing herself through different hairstyles and spends majority of the day with her airpods in. Ever since Woche was young, she has been fascinated by true crime and her primary aspiration is to be a pathologist, though motherhood is a close second. If you like to brighten Woche’s day, hand her a Dr. Pepper.

Lincoln High School Statesman

Lincoln High School Statesman

Lincoln High School Statesman

Brain rot cheat sheet

Lincoln High School Statesman

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