Collins Dictionary has officially designated “vibe coding” as the Word of the Year for 2025, highlighting a significant trend in software development. This term represents an innovative approach to programming that utilizes artificial intelligence to convert natural language into computer code. The selection underscores the growing impact of AI on how developers interact with technology.
Evolution of Language in the Tech Era
According to lexicographers at Collins, “vibe coding” has experienced a remarkable surge in usage since its introduction in February 2025. The term was coined by Andrej Karpathy, the former director of AI at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI. Karpathy describes it as a method that allows individuals to create applications while almost “forgetting that the code even exists.” This innovative concept reflects a broader shift in software development, where machine intelligence increasingly collaborates with human creativity.
The Collins Corpus, a repository of 24 billion words sourced from diverse media, including social platforms, serves as the foundation for this annual selection. The ongoing monitoring of language trends ensures that the chosen words resonate with current societal changes.
Notable Words of 2025
In addition to “vibe coding,” several other terms gained recognition this year. “Biohacking” refers to the practice of modifying biological processes for enhanced health and longevity. Another term, “clanker,” has emerged as a derogatory label for computers and AI, popularized by the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This word reflects growing frustrations and distrust toward AI chatbots and platforms.
Further, the word “glaze” has gained traction, meaning to excessively praise or flatter someone without justification. “Aura farming” describes the deliberate cultivation of a charismatic persona, particularly popular among gamers but recently reaching a wider audience through viral trends, such as the “boat kid” dance challenge featuring celebrities like American football player Travis Kelce.
Other notable entries include the term “broligarchy,” which refers to the informal nickname for tech industry leaders following their high-profile appearances at political events, including Donald Trump‘s inauguration. Additionally, the acronym “Henry,” signifying “high earner, not rich yet,” and “coolcation,” denoting a holiday in a cool climate, were also recognized. “Taskmasking,” the act of creating a false impression of productivity, alongside “micro-retirement,” which defines brief employment breaks for personal pursuits, rounded out the list.
Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins, commented on the selection: “The choice 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.” He emphasized that the integration of human creativity with machine intelligence significantly alters our interactions with computers.
As society continues to adapt to technological advancements, the language we use reflects this dynamic evolution. The recognition of “vibe coding” and other emerging terms illustrates the profound influence of AI and digital culture on contemporary communication.
