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Cambridge Dictionary’s new word of the year is widely associated with online stan culture. The dictionary has selected “parasocial” for its 2025 Word of the Year.
The pick, in part, stemmed from fans’ reactions to one of the year’s biggest moments in pop culture, Taylor Swift’s engagement with football star Travis Kelce. The “Life of a Showgirl” singer’s fandom, commonly known as the Swifties, has formed a deep interest in her romantic life, despite not knowing her in real life.
“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,” the news release stated.
What does ‘parasocial’ mean?
Cambridge Dictionary defines “parasocial” as “involving or relating to a connection that someone feels between themselves and a famous person they do not know,” according to a news release obtained by USA TODAY.
The word “parasocial” has been around for decades, more specifically since the late 1950s, amid the expansion of television in people’s homes and the growing connection with on-screen public figures, from news anchors to soap opera stars.
Elizabeth Perse, a professor emeritus of communication at the University of Delaware, told USA TODAY in 2021 that in a parasocial relationship, there is an “illusion of friendship.”
Cambridge Dictionary: Millions are engaged in ‘parasocial’ relationships
In 2025, the term is more relevant than ever with the rise of content creators and streamers who give fans access to their daily lives. In television, people have shown deep investment in storylines in popular shows like “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” according to the news release.
In the unscripted programming space, the contestants from “Love Island USA,” the summer dating series that has become a cultural phenomenon, have gained millions of followers online and launched influencer careers, with fans following their every move and drama post-show.
Cambridge Dictionary also pointed to an uptick in people developing parasocial relationships with artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT, with some using the tools as their therapist or romantic partner. Some experts have expressed concerns about the growing trend.
“Millions of people are engaged in parasocial relationships; many more are simply intrigued by their rise. The data reflects that, with the Cambridge Dictionary website seeing spikes in lookups for ‘parasocial,'” Cambridge Dictionary’s Colin McIntosh said in the news release.
“The language around parasocial phenomena is evolving fast, as technology, society and culture shift and mutate: from celebrities to chatbots, parasocial trends are fascinating for those who are interested in the development of language,” McIntosh continued.
Other popular words this year
Last month, Dictionary.com named the popular slang term, “6-7,” as its Word of the Year. “6-7” has an accompanying hand movement – moving the hands up and down, palms up like weighing two objects.
The phrase is popularly used by Gen Alpha. While some interpret the phrase to mean “so-so” or “maybe this, maybe that,” it is also used as an exclamation, according to a Dictionary.com.
Contributing: Elise Brisco, Greta Cross, USA TODAY
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
