“Vibe coding,” a groundbreaking software development technique that utilizes artificial intelligence to transform natural language into computer code, has been designated as the Collins Dictionary’s word of the year for 2025. This selection highlights the increasing intersection of technology and language, as lexicographers at Collins monitored the extensive 24 billion-word Collins Corpus, which compiles data from diverse media sources, including social media platforms.
The term “vibe coding” gained traction following its initial introduction in February, reflecting a significant rise in usage. Coined by Andrej Karpathy, the former director of AI at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI, it describes a new paradigm in software development where individuals can create applications while essentially “forgetting” the underlying code.
Exploring the New Vocabulary Landscape
Alongside “vibe coding,” the annual list featured several other notable terms. “Biohacking,” which refers to modifying one’s body to enhance health and longevity, also made the cut. Another entry, “clanker,” is a pejorative term for computers or robots, popularized by the animated series *Star Wars: The Clone Wars*. This term has gained popularity on social media as users express their frustrations and skepticism towards AI chatbots and platforms.
The word “glaze,” meaning to excessively praise or flatter someone without merit, has also gained currency this year. Another term, “aura farming,” describes the intentional cultivation of a charismatic persona, a concept that resonated particularly with gamers but reached wider audiences following the viral “boat kid” video that sparked a dance trend embraced by celebrities, including American football player Travis Kelce.
Other noteworthy additions include “broligarchy,” referring to the informal group of influential technology executives who attended former President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The acronym “Henry,” signifying “high earner, not rich yet,” and terms like “coolcation,” which describes a holiday destination with a cool climate, as well as “taskmasking,” the act of feigning productivity at work, have also made the list. Lastly, “micro-retirement,” which denotes a break between employment periods to pursue personal interests, reflects current lifestyle trends.
The Evolution of Language in the Tech Era
According to Alex Beecroft, the managing director of Collins, the selection of “vibe coding” epitomizes the evolving nature of language alongside technological advancements. Beecroft emphasized the term’s significance, stating, “It signals a major shift in software development, where AI is making coding more accessible.”
He further noted that the seamless fusion of human creativity and machine intelligence is fundamentally altering our interactions with technology. As more people become familiar with coding through natural language, it opens new avenues for innovation and creativity in software development.
This annual recognition of emerging language trends not only captures the zeitgeist but also reflects how words evolve to encapsulate contemporary experiences and technological breakthroughs. With the rise of AI and its increasing integration into everyday life, terms like “vibe coding” signify a transformative moment in both language and technology.
