The British Collins Dictionary has named the term “vibe coding” as the word of the year for 2025. This concept describes a new approach to programming, where, thanks to artificial intelligence, a person can create code using ordinary language.
As lexicographers Collins explain, the choice of this word reflects the global transition to the era of generative AI, where the line between human creativity and machine algorithms is becoming increasingly thin.
What is "vibe coding"?
The term was first coined by Andrey Karpati, former director of AI at Tesla and co-founder of OpenAI. He described “vibe coding” as a state where, when creating an app or program, a person “forgets that code even exists.” In other words, all you have to do is express the idea in words and let artificial intelligence do the rest.
This concept embodies a key change in the field of technology: programming becomes not a technical but a creative activity, where the interface between a person and a computer is a language, not a code syntax.
Other Collins Words of the Year
In addition to "vibe coding," other terms that reflect social trends, technological innovations, and lifestyle changes made the shortlist:
• “Biohacking” — modification of one’s own body or body processes to improve health or productivity.
• “Clanker” — an ironic name for robots or AI systems, originating from the “Star Wars” fan culture.
• “Glaze” — excessive praise or flattery.
• “Aura farming” — creating a charismatic image in social networks and gaming communities.
• “Broligarchy” — a humorous description of influential “tech brothers” who run large IT companies.
• “Henry” (high earner, not rich yet) — people with high incomes who still do not feel wealthy.
• “Coolcation” — traveling to cool regions as opposed to traditional “hot” vacations.
• “Taskmasking” — imitation of hectic work without real productivity.
• “Micro-retirement” is a short break between periods of work for personal renewal.
As Collins CEO Alex Beecroft noted, the choice of “vibe coding” as the word of the year symbolizes humanity’s transition to a new era of technological thinking.
"The seamless integration of human creativity and machine intelligence shows how natural language is changing our perception of computers and the programming process," he emphasized.
