Cambridge Dictionary has announced that “parasocial” is its Word of the Year for 2025, a decision influenced by the engagement of pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce. The term saw a notable increase in usage following the couple’s widely publicized announcement on social media on August 26, 2025, which prompted many discussions about the nature of fan relationships with celebrities.
The concept of “parasocial” describes a one-sided relationship where an individual feels a connection to a celebrity or fictional character, despite no direct interaction. This year, the surge in its usage coincided with the media’s extensive coverage of Swift’s engagement, leading to a spike in online searches for the term. According to the dictionary, phrases such as “I’m not being parasocial about it” became common among fans discussing their emotional investments in the couple’s relationship.
Surge in Interest Linked to Celebrity Engagement
Colin McIntosh, Chief Editor of Cambridge Dictionary, explained the significant rise in searches for “parasocial,” stating, “Public interest in the term increased massively this year, as we can see from our data: the number of searches for it in the Cambridge Dictionary, as well as on Google, spiked on several occasions.” He noted that the term, which has been around since the 1950s, has transitioned from an academic term to one frequently used in everyday conversations, particularly on social media.
The engagement announcement itself drew exceptional attention, with Swift and Kelce’s Instagram post attracting over 37 million likes. The playful caption, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” resonated with fans, sparking widespread discussions across various platforms.
Reflecting Cultural Trends
McIntosh highlighted that the term “parasocial” captures the cultural zeitgeist of 2025, emphasizing the public’s growing fascination with the lives of celebrities. He remarked, “It’s interesting from a language point of view because it has made the transition from an academic term to one used by ordinary people in their social media posts.” This evolution underscores how the dynamics of celebrity culture are not only shaping language but also affecting how fans perceive their relationships with public figures.
As conversations continue about Swift and Kelce’s engagement, the popularity of “parasocial” is likely to persist, reflecting a broader trend of emotional connections that fans develop with celebrities. The recognition of this term as the Word of the Year serves as a testament to the evolving nature of language in response to cultural phenomena.
