Cambridge dictionary's word of the year 2025 is 'parasocial'; Is it inspired by fans' love for Taylor Swift?

It is safe to say that a lot of Taylor Swift fans are in a parasocial relationship with her (Picture Credit: Instagram/@taylorswift)

The Cambridge dictionary, like every year, has announced a word of the year 2025 and it is called 'parasocial'. It is possible that you may not have used this term often, but you may have been in parasocial relationships. Yes! Have you ever related to someone, or felt emotionally close to a person who you have had no interaction with? This person could be anyone. From your favourite fictional character, an influencer, some celebrity or even a sportsperson, if you feel a close connection with them without ever having met or interacted with them, then you're in a parasocial relationship.

Imagine reading a columnist's write-ups for a long time. When you do so, you get a good understanding of their psyche, how they view things around them, how they feel and if you're able to relate, or resonate with them on a fundamental level, then this is how you grow closer to them without even realizing it. You start to defend their body of work, take their sides and so on. Of course, it goes without saying that the nature of parasocial relationships is such that they are one-sided in nature.

Cambridge dictionary defines parasocial relationships as "involving or relating to a connection that someone feels between themselves and a famous person they do not know.” These one-sided connections are often intense, emotional and surprisingly common.

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As per a statement by the Cambridge dictionary, the term 'parasocial' was coined in 1956 by sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl, who wanted to describe how television viewers formed “para-social” relationships with TV personalities.

Come to think of it, it wouldn't be wrong to say that a lot of people out there are in a parasocial relationship with AI agents also. We all have heard of the reports which talk about how people talk to AI tools like ChatGPT when they're distressed, looking for answers, or simply lonely. It sounds strange to even say it by some people have developed a liking, or emotional dependency on these AI tools. So, it can be said they are in a parasocial relationship with AI tools.

Citing an example of parasocial relationship, the dictionary highlighted how so many people are in awe of the couple Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce and keep talking about the duo.

Colin McIntosh, a lexicographer at the Cambridge Dictionary, said the word “captures the 2025 zeitgeist” and demonstrates how language changes.

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Simone Schnall, Professor of Experimental Social Psychology at the University of Cambridge, said, “We’ve entered an age where many people form unhealthy and intense parasocial relationships with influencers.”

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Come to think of it, this term is not new. Since forever, some of us have been in parasocial relationships. Earlier, people used to read authors, see anchors or actors on television and feel a strong connection with them over the course of years. However, these days, more and more people are probably following the lives of influencers on social media. They are able to relate more with them and this explains why some people are in a parasocial relationship with influencers and content creators.

Among the other terms that got introduced in the Cambridge dictionary are skibidi, delulu and tradwife.

Examples of how you can use the word 'parasocial':

- Taylor Swift has many virtual admirers, who have a parasocial relationship with her.
- My boyfriend, a big Taylor Swift fan, always takes her side whenever I say anything negative about her. I suspect he's in a parasocial relationship with her.