Collins Dictionary has chosen “vibe coding” as its word of the year for 2025, highlighting a significant shift in the world of software development driven by artificial intelligence. The selection underscores how language is adapting alongside rapidly advancing technology, particularly the rise of AI-powered tools.
What is Vibe Coding?
“Vibe coding” describes a new approach to software creation where natural language is directly translated into computer code using AI. The term was coined by Andrej Karpathy, a former AI director at Tesla and founding engineer at OpenAI. Karpathy envisions a future where developers can essentially “forget that the code even exists,” as the AI handles much of the technical heavy lifting. This signifies a move towards a more intuitive and accessible coding process, potentially democratizing app development.
Tracking Language Trends
Collins Dictionary’s annual word of the year selection is based on monitoring its vast “Collins Corpus,” a 24-billion-word database that draws from a wide range of media sources, including social media platforms. This allows lexicographers to identify emerging terms and phrases that accurately reflect evolving language usage. The rapid increase in “vibe coding” usage since its initial appearance in February confirmed its relevance as this year’s top pick.
Beyond Vibe Coding: Other Words Reflecting Modern Trends
The Collins list goes beyond “vibe coding,” revealing a broader spectrum of linguistic changes indicative of modern life and anxieties:
- Clanker: This derogatory term, popularized by Star Wars: The Clone Wars, is used to mock computers, robots, or AI systems. Its viral spread on social media reveals growing frustration and distrust towards AI chatbots and platforms.
- Biohacking: Reflecting a growing interest in health optimization, “biohacking” refers to altering natural bodily processes to improve well-being and extend longevity.
- Glaze: This term describes excessive and undeserved praise, indicating a growing cynicism regarding authenticity and motivations.
- Aura Farming: Popular amongst gamers, this term now has broader appeal, describing the deliberate cultivation of a charismatic persona – essentially, the art of looking cool.
- Broligarchy: This portmanteau combines “bro” (often used to describe young male entrepreneurs) and “oligarchy,” and it’s used to nickname the owners of major tech companies, particularly after their high-profile attendance at political events.
- Henry: An acronym for “high earner, not rich yet,” this term acknowledges the financial pressures faced by individuals with above-average incomes who still struggle with significant expenses.
- Coolcation: A vacation spent in a location with a pleasant, cool climate.
- Taskmasking: The practice of creating a false impression of productivity at work.
- Micro-retirement: A break between jobs to pursue personal interests.
The Bigger Picture
As Collins managing director Alex Beecroft notes, the selection of “vibe coding” perfectly captures how language evolves alongside technology. The increasing use of AI tools is fundamentally changing how humans interact with computers, and this linguistic adaptation is just one reflection of that change. The entire list demonstrates a fascinating snapshot of contemporary concerns and cultural trends, revealing the dynamic relationship between language, technology, and society.
The growing use of AI in software development and the increasing awareness of related social and cultural trends solidify “vibe coding”’s importance as Collins Dictionary’s word of the year. These linguistic shifts offer insights into our evolving relationship with technology and the changing landscape of modern life.
