‘Vibecoding’, an innovative software development approach that leverages artificial intelligence to transform natural language into computer code, has been selected as Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2025.
Collins’ lexicographers track the Collins Corpus, which comprises 24 billion words sourced from various media, including social platforms, to compile an annual roster of new significant words that illustrate our constantly evolving language.
They selected vibecoding as the word of the year following a noticeable surge in its usage since its introduction in February.
The term was introduced by Andrej Karpathy, the former AI director at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI, to explain how artificial intelligence can develop applications as if the code is irrelevant.
Other notable additions to the list include “biohacking,” which refers to the practice of modifying the body’s natural functions to enhance health and lifespan.
Another term is “Clunker,” a derogatory reference to a computer, robot, or AI, initially popularized by Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This term has rapidly spread on social media, often reflecting disdain and distrust towards AI chatbots and platforms.
The word “glaze,” which denotes excessive or unfair praise, is also gaining traction this year.
Additionally, “Aura Farming” has emerged, describing the intentional cultivation of a distinctive and appealing personality, essentially the art of appearing cool.
While popular among gamers, it gained broader visibility this year thanks to the viral “Boat Kid” video, which sparked a dance trend embraced by celebrities like American football player Travis Kelce.
Tech industry leaders, informally known as the Tech Brothers, were dubbed “broligarchies” after their eye-catching presence at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, which also landed them on the list.
The term “henry,” an acronym for “high-income but not yet wealthy,” has seen increased usage and was also coined by Collins.
Other entries include “cool vacations,” referring to trips taken in cooler climates, and “task masking,” which denotes the act of creating a false impression of productivity at work.
It is also characterized by “micro-retirement,” defined as a break in employment periods to engage in personal interests.
Alex Beecroft, Managing Director at Collins, remarked: “Choosing Vibecoding as the word of the year perfectly encapsulates the evolution of language alongside technology. This marks a significant transformation in software development, making coding more accessible through AI.”
“The seamless fusion of human creativity and machine intelligence illustrates how natural language is fundamentally transforming our interactions with computers.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
