Collins Dictionary has crowned “vibe coding” its 2025 Word of the Year, a term that signifies a fundamental change in our relationship with computers. The word refers to the practice of using natural, conversational language to have an artificial intelligence build software, effectively turning a “vibe” into a functional application.
This selection, based on a “huge increase in usage” since February, marks a pivotal moment. The term, coined by AI pioneer Andrej Karpathy, moves coding from a niche, technical skill to an accessible, creative act. Karpathy himself suggested it could allow creators to “forget that the code even exists,” focusing purely on their vision.
Alex Beecroft, Collins’ managing director, underscored this significance. He stated that “vibe coding” demonstrates how “natural language is fundamentally changing our interaction with computers.” It represents a “seamless integration of human creativity and machine intelligence,” a shift away from rigid syntax and toward human intuition.
This optimistic term triumphed over a list filled with modern anxieties. A key contender was “clanker,” a derogatory term for AI that went viral on social media. This juxtaposition highlights our society’s dual feelings of wonder and fear toward the rapid advancements in AI.
The 2025 list was notably “tech-heavy,” also featuring “broligarchy” (a term for the tech elite) and “biohacking” (altering one’s body for longevity). Other entries like “Henry” (high earner, not rich yet) and “taskmasking” (faking productivity) reflect the economic and workplace pressures of this new AI-driven age.