Meaning
What does Smooth Brain mean?
Smooth brain is a slang expression for the disorder known by medical professionals as lissencephaly.
It is a disorder where the patient’s brain is lacking gyri or brain folds, resulting in a smooth appearance for the center of the nervous system.
Online, the phrase “smooth brain” is used both humorously and as an insult to call someone intellectually impaired.
Origin
What's the origin of Smooth Brain?
The phrase “smooth brain” started emerging in the English language in the 19th century, especially after 1850, predominantly in medical environments.
It was first defined as an insult on Urban Dictionary in 2011.
Spread & Usage
How did Smooth Brain spread?
Memes concerning the phenomenon of lissencephaly started emerging in 2019, on sites like Me.Me, Reddit or Imgflip.
The phrase started seeing more widespread use following the memes, becoming a new trend among insults.
External resources
- Urban Dictionary – Smooth Brain
- Newscientest.com – Is this the most extraordinary human brain ever seen?