Brain rot, eco-anxiety, and other Gen Z health slang, explained
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
“OB here with a concerning number of pregnant minors in my practice. I have no [...] idea what these kids are saying (if they talk at all).” — Doctor on Reddit @justpracticing
“Got a resident to say in their assessment and plan that the patient's Hb is sus for CKD of anemia.” — Resident (PGY-1) on Reddit @ddx-me
Have you ever felt offended after a pre-teen called you a "rizzler"? No need—this Gen Alpha-derived term simply means "charismatic."
Like "rizzler," many other slang terms introduced by Generations Z and Alpha are becoming commonplace, and as physicians, it's important for us to stay aware of these evolving expressions—both in and out of the clinic.
Here are some of the younger generation’s preferred slang terms you may encounter in the clinic.
Brain rot
This term, selected as Oxford University Press’s Word of the Year for 2024, describes the perceived decline in mental well-being resulting from excessive consumption of low-quality or unchallenging online content.[]
Example: During the pandemic, I experienced severe "brain rot" from spending excessive time on social media.
Biohacking
According to Urban Dictionary, biohacking “refers to managing one's own biology using a combination of medical, nutritional and electronic techniques.”[]
While supplements can certainly help self-manage one’s own biology, biohacking goes beyond that. It involves nutritional optimization, in which a biohacker may experiment with different diets, such as keto, intermittent fasting, or plant-based eating; sleep hygiene practices to ensure quality shut-eye; mindfulness and meditation with neurofeedback; cryotherapy and cold exposure, genetic testing and personalized health plans; and wearable tech, with continuous health monitoring, to name a few.[]
@caryscachero We have one body in this life- TAKE CARE OF IT!!! 🗣️ Biohacking is strategically using science and technology to optimize and enhance one's physical and mental performance 📈 My first step- switching my GROCERIES! 🍴 Just because you are eating healthy, doesn’t mean that you are eating CLEAN! 🤌🏼 I’m a big believer in making things a lifestyle change, so this is my first step in the biohacking journey 💃🏼 Stay tuned for more things I’m implementing! 🙌🏼 #Selfdevelopment #sefldevelopmenttips #personaldevelopment #selfgrowth #mindsetmatters #mindsetshift #selfimprovement #biohack #biohacking #cleaneating ♬ original sound - summer songs<333
Example: Since reading about various biohacking techniques, Jake tracks his daily habits with a smartwatch to help make data-driven decisions about his workouts, sleep, and nutrition.
Grounding
Grounding, also known as earthing, is a practice that “connects” you to the earth, said to help reduce stress and improve well-being by rebalancing the body’s energy.[] Prior studies indicate that grounding may have numerous benefits, including lowering levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and may help reduce inflammation and improve sleep quality. Proponents practice grounding by simply standing barefoot in the grass or walking through nature without shoes on.
Example: After her final exams, Sarah added “grounding” to her morning routine, and felt the tension melt away.
Sleep hygiene
Sleep hygiene refers to the healthy habits and environmental factors that promote better sleep quality.[]
Example: Sheela works to improve her sleep by incorporating good sleep hygiene practices, such as keeping her room temperature between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius, avoiding drugs, and relaxing her mind before bed.
@dr.noc You should take your sleep game to the next level 🤝💤 #health #sleep #science #medicine #edutok #learnontiktok #TIL #todayiLearned ♬ original sound - Dr.Noc
Eco-anxiety
Eco-anxiety, or climate anxiety, refers to the persistent fear of environmental catastrophe driven by the observable effects of climate change. This anxiety stems from concerns about the future of the planet and the well-being of future generations.[]
Example: Since hearing about recent earthquakes and other natural disasters in the news, John has been grappling with eco-anxiety, worrying about the future for himself and his as-yet unborn children. In order to address these feelings, he adopts mindfulness practices, sets aside time for self-care, and focuses on actionable steps to contribute to environmental solutions.
@sustainably.kat 3 Tips to Manage Eco-Anxiety 🌿 #ecoanxiety #climateanxiety #climateaction #sustainableliving #eco #sustainablelifestyle ♬ A moist healing song - Nez Tunes
Digital detox
This term refers to a designated period during which an individual disconnects from devices—such as smartphones, computers, tablets, and televisions—and refrains from using social media.[] Research shows that regular digital breaks can reduce stress by up to 40%, and taking a 24-hour break from screens can noticeably reduce anxiety levels.
Example: Mary practiced a digital detox every weekend to recover from the stress related to excessive use of devices and social media during the weekdays.