Words of the Year 2025: AI, Jobs, and Online Culture

Words of the Year for 2025 Reflect Frustrations with AI, Jobs, and Online Culture

The words chosen to represent 2025 show how much people are feeling frustrated about job opportunities, the influence of AI, and the state of online culture. Terms like “fatigue,” “AI slop,” and “rage bait” were highlighted by different platforms and dictionaries. This year, Dictionary.com even picked a number—67—as its Word of the Year, marking a unique choice.

Context of the Words of the Year in 2025

In December, many platforms shared their words of the year. These words capture a feeling of uncertainty and exhaustion, especially in our tech-driven world. Casper Grathwohl, the President of Oxford Languages, noted, “2025 has been a year defined by questions around who we truly are, both online and offline.” This statement highlights how our identities are intertwined with our digital lives.

Job Seekers and Their Frustration

Many people looking for jobs are feeling stuck. Job search platform Glassdoor chose “fatigue” as its word of the year. There was a 41% rise in people mentioning this term, showing how job seekers feel tired from sending out countless applications without success. Workers also feel drained by the constant news cycle. In a survey, 78% of professionals said the news affects their energy at work.

AI and Online Content Concerns

AI is a significant part of our daily lives, but it’s also a source of worry. The term “slop,” chosen by Merriam-Webster, refers to low-quality content that has flooded the internet this year. This word originally meant “soft mud” but now describes things that lack value. Many artists and musicians are upset over AI-generated works that imitate their styles.

Rage Bait and Online Outrage

The Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year, “rage bait,” reflects the anger stirred by online content designed to provoke reactions. This term has tripled in use compared to the previous year. It points to a larger trend of how we interact with content online, often driven by strong emotions.

The Rise of Parasocial Relationships

Another term that caught attention is “parasocial.” This word, chosen by the Cambridge Dictionary, refers to one-sided relationships that people form with celebrities and AI chatbots. Many fans feel a deep connection to the figures they follow online, whether it’s a star like Taylor Swift or an AI companion. These relationships can sometimes lead to emotional dependence.

AI Slop and Its Effects

The Australian English dictionary highlighted “AI slop” as a top word, pointing out the concern over low-quality AI-generated content. This content often contains errors and is not always what users want. It’s affecting work communication and even leading to misinformation in news articles.

Dictionary.com’s Unique Choice

This year, Dictionary.com chose the number “67” as its word of the year. This choice was unusual since it’s not a typical word. The term saw a significant increase in searches, suggesting it resonates with many people. Dictionary.com describes it as having a vague meaning, often used to represent something average or so-so.

“If you’re a member of Gen Alpha, maybe you’re smirking at the thought of adults once again struggling to make sense of your notoriously slippery slang,” noted Dictionary.com.

The Impact of These Words on Society

The words of the year for 2025 show a lot about current feelings in society. Many people are frustrated, feeling tired of job hunting and overwhelmed by the influence of AI. The rise of terms like “fatigue” and “rage bait” reflects a deeper concern for how technology affects our lives.

• Job seekers feeling exhausted from endless applications.
• Workers drained by news cycles and AI advancements.
• Artists protesting against AI content imitating their work.
• People forming one-sided relationships with online figures.

As we move forward, these words may continue to shape the conversation about our experiences in a tech-driven world. The frustration expressed through these terms might inspire changes in how we interact with jobs, technology, and online content.