“Vibe coding,” a word that essentially means using artificial intelligence (AI) to tell a machine what you want instead of coding it yourself, was on Thursday named the Collins Word of the Year 2025.

Coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy, the word refers to “an emerging software development that turns natural language into computer code using AI”, according to Collins Dictionary.

“It’s programming by vibes, not variables,” said Collins.

“While tech experts debate whether it’s revolutionary or reckless, the term has resonated far beyond Silicon Valley, speaking to a broader cultural shift towards AI-assisted everything in everyday life,” it added.

Lexicographers at Collins Dictionary monitor the 24 billion-word Collins Corpus, which draws from a range of media sources including social media, to create the annual list of new and notable words that reflect our ever-evolving language.

The 2025 shortlist highlights a range of words that have emerged in the past year to pithily reflect the changing world around us.

“Broligarchy” made the list in a year that saw tech billionaire Elon Musk briefly at the heart of US President Donald Trump’s administration and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos cosying up to the president.

The word is defined as a small clique of very wealthy men who exert political influence.

‘Coolcation’

New words linked to work and technology include “clanker,” a derogatory term for a computer, robot or source of artificial intelligence, and “HENRY,” an acronym for high earner, not rich yet.

Another is “taskmasking,” the act of giving a false impression that one is being productive in the workplace, while “micro-retirement” refers to a break taken between periods of employment to pursue personal interests.

In the health and behavioural sphere, “biohacking” also gets a spot, meaning the activity of altering the natural processes of one’s body in an attempt to improve one’s health and longevity.

Also listed is “aura farming,” the deliberate cultivation of a distinctive and charismatic persona and the verb “to glaze,” to praise or flatter someone excessively or undeservedly.

Although the list is dominated by words linked to technology and employment, one from the world of leisure bags a spot — “coolcation,” meaning a holiday in a place with a cool climate.

Last year’s word of the year was “Brat,” the name of UK singer Charli XCX’s hit sixth album, signifying a “confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude” rather than simply a term for a badly-behaved child.

The director of Miss Universe Thailand, Nawat Itsaragrisil, apologised on stage on Wednesday after a livestream of him reprimanding contestants — and insulting Miss Mexico — went viral, prompting several delegates to walk out.

“If anyone (was) affected and not comfortable (with what) happened, I’m so sorry,” Nawat said, adding: “I think you must understand that the pressure is a lot. I am a human. Sometimes I cannot control… I had not intend to harm anyone because I respect all of you…”

“I want to (take) this opportunity to… apologise to the delegates… And, also, I’m sorry for (Miss) Universe and around the world too. But I wish all the true message must be the right (one)… Please check everything in our website,” he continued.

The controversy erupted at a pre-pageant ceremony when Nawat publicly told off Mexico’s Fatima Bosch in front of dozens of contestants for failing to post promotional content.

When she objected, he called security and threatened to disqualify those supporting her, after which Bosch left the room and others joined her in solidarity. 

Among those who walked out on Tuesday was reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark.

Despite the dispute, the Miss Universe activities continued, with contestants attending a welcome event in Bangkok on Wednesday. The new Miss Universe is due to be crowned on November 21.

Meghan Markle has just been hailed for the way she’s been handling her business, pricing and the allure that she’s creating around her creations.

Everything has been brought to light and explained by branding expert Chad Teixeira.

He spoke to the Daily Mail for this breakdown of Meghan’s efforts, which “plays” to promote her branding, all while defying what people consider “traditional retail logic.”

According to the expert, this year’s Christmas collection is what is the most important because the newly released video prompting the Christmas collection features things like decked halls, a glazed turkey, which has been done with her own brand of honey, as well as clips of desserts that she’s prepping using her own jams.

He also touched on the method behind the shocking pricing of her products. For example things like the raspberry spread and orange marmalade retail for $12 apiece, and the trio of the Fruit Spread Trio and Signature Fruit Spread Gift set go for $36 and $42 respectively in their keepsake boxes.

To the branding expert, this pricing is a “deliberate play on perceived value” compared to “traditional retail logic” because it places them as a luxury good.

Furthermore As Ever seems to be focusing more on Meghan’s “story, taste, and aesthetic” creating it more as an “emotional purchase rather than a rational one” which “is common in celebrity-led or heritage-inspired brands.”

“It’s a strategic move where exclusivity and narrative hold more weight than practical value”, he also noted.

Even Meghan’s handwriting “aligns with that premium positioning” he said before calling it a “’subtle connection to her personal touch is the luxury” to her fans.

“While some consumers may be momentarily surprised that the set isn’t cheaper, this kind of pricing psychology can actually strengthen brand allure if handled with consistency”as it “signals confidence and exclusivity” he said a bit later into the chat.

However, “the key will be in storytelling,” he said before concluding. “If the focus remains on craftsmanship, heritage, and intention rather than quantity, most of her audience will interpret the pricing as part of the brand’s aspirational identity rather than a misstep.”