The Cambridge Dictionary word of the year has been announced, and you might be surprised to learn what pop culture couple inspired it!
The 2025 word is “parasocial,” which means “involving or relating to a connection that someone feels between themselves and a famous person they do not know, a character in a book, film, TV series, etc, or an artificial intelligence.”
That is a term that has been floating around online spaces for a while now, so it makes sense why it would achieve “word of the year” status.
According to the Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the decision to give “parasocial” the honor stems from how attached fans have become to everything from pop stars and influencers to their ChatGPT bots.
“Millions of fans related to Taylor Swift’s confessional lyrics about dating, heartbreak and desire, leading to what psychologists describe as ‘parasocial’ bonds with stars. When Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement, many fans felt a deep connection to the singer and American footballer, even though most had never met them,” shares the news release.
Similarly, they comment on how AI bots have become increasingly prevalent, with people using them as “a confidant, friend or even romantic partner.”
And yes, the term can, and often does, have negative connotations, such as when Chappell Roan called out invasive fan behaviors.
“The rise of parasocial relationships has redefined fandom, celebrity and, with AI, how ordinary people interact online,” said Simone Schnall, University of Cambridge.
Source - Just Jared
The 2025 word is “parasocial,” which means “involving or relating to a connection that someone feels between themselves and a famous person they do not know, a character in a book, film, TV series, etc, or an artificial intelligence.”
That is a term that has been floating around online spaces for a while now, so it makes sense why it would achieve “word of the year” status.
According to the Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the decision to give “parasocial” the honor stems from how attached fans have become to everything from pop stars and influencers to their ChatGPT bots.
“Millions of fans related to Taylor Swift’s confessional lyrics about dating, heartbreak and desire, leading to what psychologists describe as ‘parasocial’ bonds with stars. When Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement, many fans felt a deep connection to the singer and American footballer, even though most had never met them,” shares the news release.
Similarly, they comment on how AI bots have become increasingly prevalent, with people using them as “a confidant, friend or even romantic partner.”
And yes, the term can, and often does, have negative connotations, such as when Chappell Roan called out invasive fan behaviors.
“The rise of parasocial relationships has redefined fandom, celebrity and, with AI, how ordinary people interact online,” said Simone Schnall, University of Cambridge.
Source - Just Jared
