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Gen Z Slang Tops Oxford’s Shortlist for 2025 Word of the Year

Gen Z-led terms like aura farming, biohack and rage bait compete for Oxford’s 2025 Word of the Year as public voting continues.

November 29, 2025
in Education

Gen Z Slang Tops Oxford’s Shortlist for 2025 Word of the Year

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Oxford University Press has released its shortlist for the 2025 Word of the Year, with all three finalists emerging from Gen Z’s rapidly evolving digital vocabulary. The selection underscores how youth-driven online culture continues to shape modern language and influence mainstream communication.

The term aura farming has seen a surge in usage across social media, referring to the intentional cultivation of a cool, mysterious or influential persona. The expression reflects the increasing scrutiny Gen Z places on personal branding and the mechanics of digital presence.

Another contender, biohack, has gained prominence in wellness and performance spaces. The word is widely used by younger audiences who experiment with supplements, routines and technology to enhance physical or mental capabilities, signalling a shift toward personalised optimisation culture.

The third shortlisted term, rage bait, is now a common descriptor for content created to provoke outrage and drive engagement. Gen Z communities frequently use the phrase to call out posts engineered to trigger strong emotional responses and exploit algorithmic behaviour.

Oxford University Press noted that these expressions capture the linguistic mood of 2025, a year shaped by identity-focused debates, AI-influenced online behaviour and the expanding influence of youth slang. As part of its annual selection process, the organisation is running a dedicated social-media campaign where each term is being promoted individually. Public voting remains open until 12 pm GMT on November 27, and the winning word will be announced on December 1.