The Evolving Significance of "Word of the Year" Selections

The selection of the "word of the year" has sparked discussions about its relevance and significance in contemporary language. In 2025, various dictionaries, including Collins, Cambridge, and Oxford, chose terms like "vibe coding," "parasocial," and "rage bait," respectively. This annual tradition, which began with the American Dialect Society 35 years ago, has evolved into a phenomenon that reflects societal trends and linguistic changes.

The Guardian

The concept of a "word of the year" emerged in the mid-2000s, gaining traction as a way to encapsulate the zeitgeist of the previous year. Linguists like Jonathon Green emphasize that the proliferation of dictionaries announcing their own selections has turned this into a quasi-awards season for language. The choices often aim to capture public attention rather than provide a rigorous linguistic analysis, as noted by sociolinguist Robbie Love.

The Guardian

Several linguists have commented on the phenomenon. Vaclav Brezina, a professor at Lancaster University, argues that the selections are designed to capture the imagination of the public and lexicographers alike. Lynne Murphy from the University of Sussex highlights the impact of technology on language, noting that many recent selections are internet slang or terms influenced by digital communication.

The Guardian

Despite the excitement surrounding these selections, there is skepticism regarding their longevity. Words like "goblin mode" and "nomophobia," chosen in previous years, have seen a significant decline in usage. Jonathan Dent, a senior editor at the Oxford English Dictionary, suggests that the immediate relevance of a word is more important than its long-term survival. Some linguists, including Murphy, view the annual ritual as a marketing tool rather than a genuine reflection of linguistic evolution.

The Guardian

The selection of words that resonate with younger demographics is seen as a strategy to engage them in discussions about language. Green notes that the focus on terms likely to be used in online discourse can foster conversations about linguistic trends among younger people.

The Guardian

Linguists express varied opinions on the purpose of the word of the year. While some, like Love, see it as a fun way to stimulate dialogue about language, others, including Murphy, are more cynical, viewing it as a marketing strategy. Dent emphasizes that the relevance of a word during its selection is what truly matters.

The Guardian

There is a notable discrepancy in the longevity of selected words. For instance, "goblin mode" has become less common, while terms like "Brexit" and "vax" have faded due to changing social contexts. This raises questions about the criteria used for selection and the actual impact of these words on everyday language.

The Guardian

• “It seems to me that if you have anything to do with publishing a reference book, or certainly a dictionary of some sort, you are duty-bound to come out with one of these things.” — Jonathon Green, Author and Lexicographer

The Guardian

• “Vaclav Brezina, a professor of linguistics at Lancaster University, said: “The considerations for the word of the year is fairly narrow, so it is a word that captures people’s imagination and the lexicographer’s imagination in that particular year.” — Vaclav Brezina, Professor of Linguistics

The Guardian

• “Whether it works, I mean, that’s another side of it … [but] is it really something that the public feel ‘this sums up the year I have just lived’?” — Anonymous Comment

The Guardian

The ongoing debate surrounding the "word of the year" highlights the dynamic nature of language and its reflection of societal changes, while also raising questions about the criteria and motivations behind these selections.

The Guardian