Collins Dictionary Names “Vibe Coding” as Word of the Year 2025

“Vibe coding,” a new term in software development that describes the process of transforming natural language into computer code through artificial intelligence, has been selected as the Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2025. This choice reflects a significant rise in its usage, particularly since the term’s introduction in February 2025.

The lexicographers at Collins assess the expansive 24 billion-word Collins Corpus, which aggregates language from a variety of media sources, including social media platforms. Their annual selection aims to highlight words that capture the evolution of language in contemporary society. The increase in popularity of “vibe coding” was particularly noteworthy, as it resonates with the growing influence of AI in everyday technology.

The term was first coined by Andrej Karpathy, the former director of AI at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI. Karpathy describes vibe coding as a method that allows users to create applications while largely bypassing the complexities of traditional coding. This innovation indicates a major shift in how software development might operate in the future, making coding more accessible and intuitive.

Noteworthy Entries in 2025’s Word List

Collins Dictionary also recognized several other significant terms this year. “Biohacking,” which refers to altering bodily processes to enhance health and longevity, has gained traction. Another notable entry, “clanker,” a term popularised by Star Wars: The Clone Wars, is used derogatorily to refer to computers or AI sources, reflecting some users’ frustrations with chatbot interactions.

The word “glaze” has emerged to signify excessive praise or flattery, while “aura farming” describes the effort to cultivate a distinctive persona, particularly in gaming culture. This term gained wider recognition thanks to the viral “boat kid” video, which inspired a popular dance trend involving celebrities like Travis Kelce.

Further additions include “broligarchy,” a term coined to describe influential figures in the tech industry, particularly following their prominent appearances at Donald Trump‘s inauguration. Other terms such as “Henry,” an acronym for “high earner, not rich yet,” “coolcation,” referring to vacationing in cool climates, and “taskmasking,” which denotes creating a false impression of productivity, also made the list. The term “micro-retirement,” indicating breaks between employment to pursue personal interests, is another notable entry.

Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins, expressed that the selection of “vibe coding” highlights an important transformation in software development. He stated, “The selection 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.”

The recognition of these words underscores the dynamic relationship between language and technology, illustrating how emerging concepts reflect broader societal changes. As these terms gain prominence, they not only enrich our lexicon but also signal shifts in cultural and technological paradigms.