Rent free definition: what "Rent free" means and examples

If something is "living rent free in your head," it means you cannot stop thinking about it, usually because it was either very impressive or very annoying. It is often used to describe a rivalry or a "cringe" moment. If someone insults you and you are still thinking about it two days later, they are "living rent free" in your head. It is a way of acknowledging that something has taken up mental real estate. By using the term, young people often try to reclaim power over the thought by pointing out that it is there, almost like an unwanted tenant they are trying to evict.

Examples:

1. "That song is living rent free in my head; I've been humming it for three hours."
2. "Don't let his comments live rent free in your head; he is just trying to get a reaction."
3. "The way she tripped on stage is living rent free in my mind, I feel so sorry for her."