The adjective parasocial , meaning “involving or relating to a connection that someone feels between themselves and a famous person they do not know," has been named the Cambridge Dictionary ’s Word of the Year for 2025.

Although the term originated in the 1950s to describe relationships TV viewers formed with on-screen personalities, the dictionary says its choice reflects a broader trend this year: people forming one-sided bonds not only with celebrities and influencers but increasingly with AI chatbots and digital entities.

In addition to “parasocial," the Cambridge Dictionary added several new words or meanings this year—among them skibidi, delulu, and tradwife—to capture evolving internet culture.

According to lexicographers, additions to the dictionary are only made when there

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