Vibe coding, a term that signifies a breakthrough in software development, has been chosen as the Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2025. This innovative phrase refers to the process of converting natural language into computer code through the use of artificial intelligence. The selection highlights a significant trend in the evolving relationship between technology and language.
Lexicographers at Collins Dictionary continuously analyze the 24 billion words in the Collins Corpus, which includes diverse media, from traditional publications to social media platforms. The choice of vibe coding follows a notable surge in its usage since its introduction in February of this year. The term was coined by Andrej Karpathy, former director of AI at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI. He described it as a means for users to develop applications while minimizing the need to engage directly with the underlying code.
Other Notable Terms of 2025
The Collins Dictionary’s announcement included several other noteworthy terms that reflect contemporary culture and technological advancement. Among them is biohacking, which refers to the practice of modifying bodily functions to enhance health and longevity. The term highlights growing interest in personal health optimization.
Another term gaining traction is clanker, a derogatory label for computers, robots, or AI systems, popularized by the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This term has gone viral on social media, often voiced in expressions of frustration towards AI chatbots and platforms. Similarly, glaze, which denotes excessive and undeserved praise, has seen increased usage this year.
The concept of aura farming has also emerged, describing the intentional crafting of a unique and appealing persona. This term enjoyed a surge in popularity following the viral “boat kid” video, which ignited a dance trend embraced by various celebrities, including American football player Travis Kelce.
Collins also noted the term broligarchy, referring to the collective of prominent technology executives who gained media attention during Donald Trump’s inauguration. Additionally, the acronym Henry, meaning “high earner, not rich yet,” has gained traction, as have terms like coolcation, denoting holidays in cooler climates, and taskmasking, which refers to creating a false impression of productivity at work. The phrase micro-retirement, indicating breaks between jobs for personal pursuits, further illustrates the changing landscape of work and leisure.
The Significance of ‘Vibe Coding’
According to Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins Dictionary, the selection of vibe coding underscores a pivotal evolution in software development. Beecroft stated, “The selection of vibe coding as Collins’ word of the year perfectly captures how language is evolving alongside technology. It signals a major shift in software development, where AI is making coding more accessible.”
The term encapsulates the seamless fusion of human ingenuity and machine intelligence, illustrating how natural language is fundamentally reshaping our interactions with technology. As the landscape of software development continues to change, the importance of accessible coding methods is likely to grow, creating new opportunities for innovation and creativity.
In summary, the recognition of vibe coding as the Word of the Year reflects a broader cultural shift towards integrating advanced technology into everyday language and practices, marking an exciting moment in the evolution of both software and communication.
