What Does It Mean When Something 'Scratches Your Brain'?
HuffPost
Therapists explain the meaning behind the phrase that’s all over social media — and why it’s a practice you should do more often.
“The way she says MFer scratches my brain just right,” one user wrote on TikTok referencing a lyric in Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Please Please Please.” “... something in this performance scratches my brain so well ...” one person tweeted about a performance from the TV show “Glee.”
This slang phrase has been all over social media lately. From songs to visual performances to simple sounds, many things are “scratching” people’s brains.
Despite the widespread understanding of what it means, thanks to context clues, the phrase isn’t quite clear. How can something scratch your brain? What does that feel like?
“The phrase ‘scratches your brain’ is often used to describe a sensation that deeply engages your mind, yields a strong emotional response, or provides a sense of relief or satisfaction like an itch,” said Janet Bayramyan, a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist.
Think of the near-euphoric feeling that comes with scratching an itch, but remember it’s mental rather than physical.
“That choice isn’t holiday symbolism; it’s political theater," one expert said.
“It engages multiple brain areas at once, acting like a full-brain workout,” experts say.
These reports reveal which states prefer mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and more.
Munch your way to longevity.
From childhood to adulthood, our brains evolve at five critical ages. Here’s when they happen.
Where you live may say more about your potential for dating success than you'd think.
From OnlyFans, vacation spending or checking in before getting tattoos, we dive into the nitty-gritty of making a relationship work.
The beloved Galapagos tortoise named Gramma that was the oldest resident of the San Diego Zoo at an estimated 141 years has died.
You won’t find brain puzzles on this list.
It may seem obvious, but you might not think about it when you're sick.
“Proper nutrition is the foundation upon which our mental acuity and vitality rest."
"Of course, your family knows how to push your buttons — they installed them."