According to Oxford lexicographers, the phrase perfectly encapsulated the mood of the year as a phenomenon whose usage has tripled in the past year, according to Oxford’s data 'Rage bait' refers to manipulative online tactics designed to provoke anger and boost engagement (Image: Getty Images)

The Oxford Word of the Year for 2025 has been announced, and the winner is “rage bait.” The term refers to manipulative online tactics designed to provoke anger and boost engagement, a phenomenon whose usage has tripled in the past year, according to Oxford’s data.

This comes after “Rage bait” beat out two other shortlisted contenders, “aura farming” and “ biohack ,” for the title. Although it consists of two words, Oxford lexicographers treat it as a single expression because it function

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