Cambridge Dictionary Names “Parasocial” Word of the Year 2025

UPDATE: Cambridge Dictionary has just announced that “parasocial” is the word of the year for 2025. This selection highlights the growing phenomenon of one-sided relationships people form with celebrities, influencers, and even AI chatbots, driven by the rise of digital communication and technology.

The term “parasocial” describes a connection where an individual feels a bond with someone they do not know personally. Colin McIntosh, editor of Cambridge Dictionary, stated, “Millions of people are engaged in parasocial relationships; many more are simply intrigued by their rise.” The dictionary has witnessed significant spikes in online searches for “parasocial,” indicating a surge in public interest.

The excitement surrounding Taylor Swift’s engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce in June 2023 fueled discussions about parasocial relationships. Fans felt deep emotional connections to Swift’s milestone, showcasing how these relationships can evoke feelings similar to those experienced in close friendships. In a notable incident, streamer IShowSpeed blocked a fan who referred to themselves as his “No. 1 parasocial,” further underscoring the term’s relevance.

Psychologist Veronica Lamarche from the University of Essex commented on the term’s emergence, stating, “It’s interesting to see the word get its ‘day in the sun,’ even though the kind of relationship it describes isn’t necessarily new.” The concept dates back to the 1950s, originating from sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl, who studied the relationships between television audiences and on-screen personalities.

Cambridge Dictionary identifies the first parasocial relationship as belonging to fans of British poet Lord Byron, a figure considered one of the first true celebrities. Lamarche explains that while many people show interest in celebrities like Swift or singer Lily Allen, true parasocial connections involve deeper emotional investment, making fans feel personally connected to the celebrities’ lives.

Lamarche elaborated, “Just like you would feel excited for a friend who’s going through an engagement, you’re feeling this on behalf of the person that you’ve never met.” This emotional attachment can offer solace during periods of loneliness, but she cautions that such relationships should not replace close personal connections.

While parasocial relationships often receive scrutiny, they can also enhance social experiences, especially when traditional support systems are unavailable. The rise of AI chatbots as companions has further complicated the conversation, leading Cambridge Dictionary to expand its definition of “parasocial” to include these digital interactions.

In addition to “parasocial,” Cambridge revealed other notable contenders for the word of the year, including “pseudonymization,” which refers to protecting personal information by codifying it, and “memeify,” the act of turning something into an internet joke.

With this announcement, Cambridge Dictionary reflects a significant cultural shift, emphasizing the need to understand how technology and celebrity influence our social interactions. As fans grapple with these new dynamics, the conversation around parasocial relationships is more urgent than ever.

Stay tuned for further updates on how this evolving concept impacts our daily lives and social landscapes.