brain worm
Thought that consumes
A brain worm is an idea or phrase that lodges in your mind and won't leave—obsessive, intrusive, often unwanted.
The term draws on the image of a parasitic worm burrowing into the brain.
It overlaps with earworm but applies to thoughts beyond music: That conspiracy theory became a brain worm I couldn't shake.
The phrase gained currency after Robert F.
Kennedy Jr. disclosed that a parasitic worm had eaten part of his brain, spawning jokes and political commentary.
Segmented intestinal parasite
- nematodeThreadlike parasitic worm
- helminthParasitic worm organism
- Taenia soliumParasitic flatworm from swine
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
life cycle · host · infestation · transmission · zoonotic · pork tapeworm · scolex · parasitology
Persistent mental attachment
- idée fixePersistent dominating thought
- monomaniaFixation on single idea
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
- compulsionIrresistible urge to act
intrusive thoughts · ruminating · overthinking · earworm · memetic · mind virus · infatuation · engrossment
Tapeworm larvae in brain
- encephalitisInflammatory brain condition
- meningitisMembrane inflammation around brain
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
- cystFluid-filled tissue sac
seizures · lesion · MRI · diagnosis · neurological symptoms · inflammation · calcification · headache
tapeworm
Segmented intestinal parasite
- nematodeThreadlike parasitic worm
- helminthParasitic worm organism
- Taenia soliumParasitic flatworm from swine
larvae · life cycle · host · infestation · transmission · zoonotic · pork tapeworm · scolex · parasitology · pathogen
fixation
Persistent mental attachment
- idée fixePersistent dominating thought
- monomaniaFixation on single idea
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
compulsion · intrusive thoughts · ruminating · overthinking · earworm · memetic · mind virus · infatuation · engrossment · absorption
neurocysticercosis
Tapeworm larvae in brain
- encephalitisInflammatory brain condition
- meningitisMembrane inflammation around brain
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
cyst · seizures · lesion · MRI · diagnosis · neurological symptoms · inflammation · calcification · headache · surgery
- brain parasitesneurocysticercosis, Toxoplasma gondii, pork tapeworm, toxoplasmosis, Taenia solium
brain wormmental stillness
Absence of mental noise
clear mind · peace of mind · mental clarity · mindfulness · mental discipline
brain wormmental clarity
Sharpness of thought
clear mind · peace of mind · blank slate · tabula rasa · serenity
brain, brains, brained, braining, brainy, brainier, brainiest, brainless, worm