The 2025 Collins Dictionary Word of the Year list, topped by “vibe coding,” reflects a powerful cultural demand for accessibility—in technology, in careers, and in life. The winning term itself is defined by its power to democratize a highly technical field.
“Vibe coding” is the practice of using natural language and AI to generate computer code. This shift, as described by its coiner Andrej Karpathy, allows people to create software without years of specialized training, “forgetting the code exists” and focusing on the creative idea. It’s a word about breaking down barriers.
This theme of accessibility is echoed in other words on the list. “Micro-retirement,” defined as a break between periods of employment to pursue personal interests, represents a move to make rest and self-development more accessible, rather than saving it all for old age. It reframes a sustainable career as one that includes intentional, accessible breaks.
Even terms like “Henry” (high earner, not rich yet) are part of this story, describing the lack of accessibility to traditional wealth, even for high earners. The term’s popularity stems from its ability to describe a shared barrier to financial security.
This year’s list, drawn from the 24-billion-word Collins Corpus, shows a language evolving to demand and describe new ways of living and working. It’s a vocabulary focused on opening up closed systems, whether it’s the complex world of software development or the rigid structure of a 40-year career.