The Cambridge English Dictionary named the adjective “parasocial” its Word of the Year 2025.
The Cambridge Dictionary’s website explains the meaning of “parasocial.” It describes a connection felt between a person and a famous figure, a literary or film character, or an artificial intelligence. Examples include “parasocial relationships”—the relationship between an artist and a fan; and “parasocial grief”—the feeling of sadness following the death of a famous person.
“Parasocial” was added to the Cambridge English Dictionary in 2023. It is the second adjective in the dictionary’s history to be named Word of the Year. The first was “paranoid,” which was added in 2016.
