If you’ve ever felt emotionally connected to a celebrity who doesn’t know you exist, you’re not alone. The Cambridge Dictionary has officially crowned “parasocial” as its Word of the Year for 2025.
The dictionary’s lexicographers said the word surged in relevance as people increasingly form emotional bonds with pop stars, influencers, and even AI chatbots. The trend is especially visible among fans of global icons such as Taylor Swift and Lily Allen.
“Parasocial” is defined as “involving or relating to a connection that someone feels between themselves and a famous person they do not know.”
The term itself isn’t new — it dates back to 1956, when two University of Chicago sociologists observed TV viewers forming emotional attachments to on-screen personalities. But experts say it has taken on a powerful new meaning in the digital era.
AI, fandom, and internet’s role in shaping language
Cambridge noted that the growing influence of artificial intelligence is reshaping how people interact. One example is the updated definition of “slop,” which now refers to low-quality AI-generated content overwhelming the internet.
Over the past year, the dictionary added 6,212 new words, phrases, and meanings — many born from internet culture, social media trends, and emerging technology.
Among the newly added words are “skibidi,” “delulu,” and “tradwife.”
New additions explained
Skibidi — A slang term with multiple meanings, often used humorously or with no meaning at all.
Delulu — A playful twist on “delusional,” commonly used in online fandom spaces.
Tradwife — Short for “traditional wife,” describing a married woman who posts content about home-based roles such as cooking and cleaning.
Colin McIntosh, a Cambridge lexicographer, said only words with “staying power” make it into the dictionary. “Internet culture is changing the English language, and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture,” he noted.
Simone Schnall, professor of experimental social psychology at the University of Cambridge, praised the selection as “inspired.”
She highlighted that many people today form “unhealthy and intense parasocial relationships” with online influencers.
The rise of AI chatbots has added another dimension, with some users treating tools like ChatGPT as friends or sources of emotional reassurance.
“Parasocial trends take on a new dimension as many people treat AI tools like ChatGPT as ‘friends’, offering positive affirmations, or as a proxy for therapy,” she added.
