Ever felt like a public figure you’ve never met is part of your friend group? Well, there’s a word for that, “parasocial,” and Cambridge Dictionary has selected it as their 2025 Word of the Year. The term describes the one-sided bond people form with celebrities, something that’s become more noticeable with the growth of online culture.
Sociologists first coined the word in the 1950s while studying TV audiences, but it’s more widely known now, and recent events have seen searches for the word climb sharply.
- The rise in attention was in no small part linked to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement.
- Fans showed strong emotional investment in the famous couple, which psychologists cite as a clear example of rising parasocial behavior.
- Their August engagement created a major surge in searches for the word on both Google and Cambridge’s site.
- The dictionary notes that this kind of celebrity fascination reflects the “zeitgeist of 2025,” making it a perfect choice for Word of the Year.
Cambridge Dictionary’s chief editor, Colin McIntosh, says the word stands out because it’s shifted from an academic term to something used widely on social media. He explains that interest has grown “massively this year,” with repeated spikes in search traffic. McIntosh also says the word fits the moment as people follow celebrity lives more closely than ever. Swifties’ passionate responses to the engagement helped shine a light on just how common parasocial relationships have become. So whether you’re a diehard Swiftie or just celebrity-curious, you’re likely part of the reason “parasocial” is having a moment!
Source:Â People