Collins Dictionary has officially named “vibe coding” as the Word of the Year for 2025. This decision highlights the growing significance of this term in contemporary language.
Understanding ‘Vibe Coding’
Vibe coding refers to a modern approach where individuals curate their online personas based on the emotions they want to evoke. This concept has gained considerable traction within social media platforms, where aesthetics and mood play a crucial role in engagement.
Other Notable Words of 2025
- Clanker: Originally used in Star Wars media, this term saw a resurgence on TikTok in July 2025. Users expressed their frustration with AI-powered robots, bringing the word back into popular discourse.
- Aura Farming: This term describes actions taken for the sake of appearing cool, often while being filmed. Though first used in January 2024, it gained notable popularity throughout 2025.
- Broligarchy: Coined to describe the influence of major tech company owners, this portmanteau gained traction in 2024 but was frequently mentioned during significant political events in 2025, including high-profile appearances at a U.S. presidential inauguration.
- Henry: An acronym for “high earner, not rich yet,” it identifies individuals with substantial incomes who have yet to accumulate significant wealth.
Collins Dictionary’s selection of these words reflects ongoing trends in technology, social behavior, and the language surrounding wealth. Each term resonated with different cultural phenomena, establishing their relevance in everyday conversations.
The inclusion of “vibe coding” underscores a significant shift in how individuals perceive and construct their online identities. As language evolves, these terms provide insight into societal changes and emerging concepts.
