Decoding the Trending Language Phenomenon — Unveiling the Top Word of 2025!
Despite sounding like a jumble of words, the phrase “vibe-coding parasocial rage-bait slop” holds significant weight as the most crucial sentence of the year. This designation comes from various English dictionaries worldwide, each naming their own “word of the year” (WOTY) selection.
Observing this year’s lineup of words from outlets like CNN and Fox News, a common reaction emerges: skepticism towards the inclusion of these trendy, sometimes ephemeral, and occasionally nonsensical terms in the esteemed annals of our language records.
Amidst the debate, questions arise about the rationale behind selecting internet-driven buzzwords that might fade into obscurity in a short span. The process leading to words of the year fluctuates between the mundane (like 2023’s “rizz”) and the politically charged (as seen with 2021’s “insurrection”).
Given the contentious nature of these selections, it begs the question — why continue this tradition at all?
Dictionary.com has selected “6-7” as the word of the year for 2025, a viral numerical phrase.
Discussing the selection process, Kelly Wright from the American Dialect Society (ADS) — a sociolinguist overseeing the WOTY nominations — expressed her enthusiasm and enjoyment for the task.
Part of the thrill, she explains, stems from the diverse approaches employed by different organizations in determining their word of the year, shaping the impactful words that seize the spotlight.
Diverse Selection Methods
For instance, at Cambridge Dictionary, the process commences with a tech team compiling a comprehensive list of the most searched words throughout the year, focusing on both general trends over time and sudden spikes in interest. Editors then curate words from this list that can encapsulate the year’s key themes, ensuring these words are already part of their dictionary.
According to senior editor Jessica Rundell, their decision-making hinges on assessing a word’s longevity. If a term experiences a fleeting surge in one year but fades quickly, it fails to earn a spot in the dictionary.
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