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

The term “vibe coding” has been selected as the Collins Dictionary’s word of the year for 2025, surpassing other notable contenders such as “clanker.” This emerging concept in software development employs artificial intelligence to convert natural language into computer code, reflecting a significant shift in how coding is perceived and executed. The choice was made after lexicographers noted a remarkable surge in the term’s usage since it first emerged in February.

Collins Dictionary’s decision is based on extensive monitoring of the 24 billion-word Collins Corpus, which aggregates language from various media, including social networks. According to the dictionary, the term “vibe coding” was coined by Andrej Karpathy, the former director of AI at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI. He described it as a method through which individuals can create applications while temporarily “forgetting that the code even exists.”

Other Notable Terms of 2025

Alongside “vibe coding,” the Collins Dictionary also highlighted several other terms that have gained traction in the past year. “Biohacking,” which entails modifying the body’s natural processes to enhance health and longevity, reflects a growing interest in personal wellness strategies. Additionally, “clanker,” a derogatory term popularized by the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, expresses frustration and distrust towards AI technologies.

Another term gaining popularity is “glaze,” which refers to excessive or undeserved praise, and has been used to criticize social dynamics in various contexts. “Aura farming,” a concept describing the cultivation of a charismatic persona, has resonated with gamers and the general public alike, particularly following the viral “boat kid” dance trend associated with celebrities like American football player Travis Kelce.

The word “broligarchy” emerged as a nickname for influential technology executives following their notable presence at Donald Trump’s inauguration. The acronym “Henry,” meaning “high earner, not rich yet,” has also seen increased usage, alongside “coolcation,” a term denoting a holiday in a cooler climate. “Taskmasking,” which signifies the act of feigning productivity, and “micro-retirement,” a break from work to pursue personal interests, have made their way onto the list as well.

The Significance of “Vibe Coding”

Alex Beecroft, the managing director of Collins, emphasized that selecting “vibe coding” as the word of the year underscores the evolving relationship between language and technology. 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.”

This development not only showcases the integration of human creativity with machine intelligence but also illustrates how natural language is fundamentally reshaping our interactions with computers. As society continues to embrace advancements in technology, terms like “vibe coding” will likely remain at the forefront of our evolving language landscape.