“Collins Dictionary Names ‘Vibe Coding’ Word of the Year for 2025”

Vibe coding has been announced as the Collins Dictionary’s word of the year for 2025, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of language and technology. This term refers to a new software development approach that utilizes artificial intelligence to translate natural language into computer code. The selection was made by lexicographers who analyze the 24 billion-word Collins Corpus, which incorporates a variety of media sources, including social media, to track emerging language trends.

Significance of ‘Vibe Coding’

The term “vibe coding” was first introduced in February by Andrej Karpathy, the former director of AI at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI. Karpathy described it as a method that allows individuals to create applications without needing to focus on the underlying code. This represents a major shift in software development, making coding more accessible to broader audiences.

Collins lexicographers noted a substantial increase in the use of “vibe coding” throughout the year, leading to its selection as the standout term. The decision reflects ongoing changes in technology and communication, underscoring how artificial intelligence is reshaping our interaction with computers.

Additional Notable Terms

Alongside “vibe coding,” several other terms have gained recognition in the annual list. “Biohacking,” which refers to efforts to enhance health and longevity through modifications to the body’s natural processes, is one such term. Another entry, “clanker,” is a pejorative used to describe computers, robots, or AI systems and has gained popularity following its use in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

The word “glaze,” meaning to excessively praise or flatter someone, also made the list, as did “aura farming,” which describes cultivating a charismatic persona. The latter term gained traction this year, particularly among gamers, after the viral “boat kid” video inspired a dance trend followed by celebrities, including American football player Travis Kelce.

Other notable terms include “broligarchy,” which refers to influential tech leaders who attended Donald Trump‘s inauguration, “Henry,” an acronym for “high earner, not rich yet,” and “coolcation,” a term for a holiday in a cooler climate. “Taskmasking,” the act of creating a false impression of productivity, and “micro-retirement,” a break between employment periods to pursue personal interests, were also highlighted.

According to Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins, the choice of “vibe coding” as the word of the year encapsulates the evolving nature of language alongside technological advancements. Beecroft stated, “The seamless integration of human creativity and machine intelligence demonstrates how natural language is fundamentally changing our interaction with computers.” This reflects the broader trend of technology influencing everyday language and communication.