Vibe coding’ named Collins dictionary’s word of the year

Published: 06 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

“Vibe coding,” a cutting-edge method in software development that enables natural language to be transformed into computer code using artificial intelligence, has been named Collins dictionary’s word of the year for 2025. The selection reflects a growing trend in technology, where coding is increasingly being simplified and made more accessible through AI-powered tools.

Lexicographers at Collins, who maintain the 24-billion-word Collins Corpus compiled from a wide array of media sources, including social media, select the word of the year based on linguistic trends that capture cultural, technological, or societal shifts. According to Collins, the choice of “vibe coding” was influenced by its rapid rise in usage since first appearing in February of this year.

The term was originally coined by Andrej Karpathy, former director of AI at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI. He described vibe coding as a process where a developer can build a new application or software feature while being able to “forget that the code even exists.” This approach highlights a paradigm shift in programming, where the focus is on creativity and problem-solving rather than the mechanics of coding syntax.

Alongside vibe coding, the Collins Corpus revealed other notable new words reflecting the intersection of technology, lifestyle, and popular culture. “Biohacking,” for instance, describes attempts to modify one’s body or biology to enhance health and longevity, while “clanker,” a term derived from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, has become a popular derogatory label for computers, robots, or AI platforms. Clanker is often used to express frustration or distrust in AI systems.

Another trending term is “glaze,” used to describe the act of excessively praising or flattering someone, often undeservedly. “Aura farming” has gained attention as well, referring to the deliberate cultivation of a distinctive and charismatic persona, essentially the art of appearing cool. This concept has roots in gaming culture but reached wider popularity following viral social media trends, such as the “boat kid” dance video, which featured celebrities including American football star Travis Kelce.

The list also includes words reflecting social and economic trends. “Broligarchy” is an informal label for high-profile tech company executives, particularly those whose presence at public events, like Donald Trump’s inauguration, drew attention. Similarly, “Henry,” an acronym for “high earner, not rich yet,” captures a demographic phenomenon among young professionals striving for wealth accumulation.

Lifestyle-related terms also made the cut. “Coolcation” describes a holiday taken in a location with a cool climate, “taskmasking” denotes the act of giving the impression of being productive while not necessarily accomplishing meaningful work, and “micro-retirement” refers to a temporary break between employment periods to pursue personal interests or passions. These inclusions highlight how language evolves alongside changes in work, lifestyle, and leisure culture.

Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins, said the selection of vibe coding “perfectly captures how language is evolving alongside technology. It signals a major shift in software development, where AI is making coding more accessible. The seamless integration of human creativity and machine intelligence demonstrates how natural language is fundamentally changing our interaction with computers.”

The choice of vibe coding underscores the growing influence of AI in daily life, not only in professional software development but also in creative industries, education, and personal projects. It reflects a broader trend of tools that bridge the gap between technical expertise and intuitive, human-driven processes. The linguistic recognition by Collins is a marker of the cultural importance of these technological innovations, highlighting how they are reshaping both work and language.

Collins’ word of the year traditionally serves as a barometer of society’s evolving priorities and interests. In previous years, words have ranged from those reflecting political shifts to technological innovations and cultural phenomena. The inclusion of vibe coding this year is indicative of the increasing prevalence of AI as a driver of change in the way people communicate, work, and create.

The dictionary’s analysis also emphasizes how social media amplifies the adoption of new terms. Words like “clanker,” “glaze,” and “aura farming” gained traction online before being recognized in formal linguistic studies, demonstrating the power of viral content and digital communities in shaping language trends. Similarly, lifestyle and workplace-focused terms like “taskmasking” and “micro-retirement” highlight emerging cultural patterns that resonate widely across digital platforms.

By naming vibe coding the word of the year, Collins not only reflects a linguistic milestone but also signals the broader societal embrace of AI-assisted programming. Experts suggest that as these tools become more mainstream, the language used to describe technology and creativity will continue to evolve rapidly. In this way, the dictionary’s recognition serves as both a reflection of current trends and a forecast of future cultural and technological developments.