The immense influence of social media on the English language has been confirmed once again by Collins Dictionary’s 2025 Word of the Year list. This year, the viral terms “aura farming” and “glaze” have been formally recognized, highlighting how online trends are shaping mainstream communication.
“Aura farming” is described as the deliberate cultivation of a distinctive and charismatic persona—in short, the art of looking cool. The term, which started in gaming communities, exploded into the mainstream this year after the “boat kid” video sparked a global dance trend, even adopted by celebrities like Travis Kelce. Its inclusion shows how niche online behaviors can achieve massive cultural reach.
Another social media-driven term, “glaze,” also made the list. This word, used as a term of disapproval, means to praise or flatter someone excessively or undeservedly. Its popularity on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) reflects a growing cynicism toward online displays of adulation and influencer culture.
While these terms captured the social zeitgeist, the official Word of theYear was “vibe coding.” This tech term describes using natural language and AI to write computer code. Its selection, based on a massive usage spike since February, points to the other dominant force in 2025: artificial intelligence. The term was coined by Andrej Karpathy of OpenAI.
The list was filled with other markers of modern life, including “clanker” (a derogatory term for AI), “broligarchy” (a name for tech elites), “Henry” (high earner, not rich yet), and “biohacking” (altering one’s body for health). Together, these words paint a comprehensive picture of a society grappling with technology, social media, and economic pressure.
Social Media Trends “Aura Farming” and “Glaze” Officially Enter the Lexicon
