New Year, New Words
This slang word means something is embarrassing or trying too hard.
This absurd hypothetical involving a mammal and humans went massively viral in 2025 after resurfacing on TikTok and Reddit as a “serious” debate. Meme creators treated it with mock intensity, using charts, fake simulations, and exaggerated arguments.
What is "100 men vs 1 Gorilla"?
In 2025, some celebrities never age because they don’t actually exist and are created to function like human influencers on social media by promoting products, engaging audiences, and building followings, offering brands complete control over their image and messaging.
What are "Virtual influencers"?
In 2025, the average U.S. movie ticket costs around this much.
What is $12–$15?
2015: ~$8.50–$9.00 (Inflation + premium formats (IMAX, recliners) did the damage.)
Who is "D4VD"?
This word describes a lone-wolf personality who doesn’t follow social hierarchies but still commands respect.
What is "Sigma"?
On July 16th, this moment in a concert was turned into a meme after Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were caught on the big screen in an awkward embrace.
What is the "Coldplay Concert Kiss Cam"?
This toy started as a niche collectible from Pop Mart but exploded into a viral global phenomenon, appearing in fashion posts, parades, and pop culture content as celebrities and fans alike showcased it.
What is a "Labubu"?
In 2025, the combined cost of multiple streaming services per month is about this.
What is $50–$70?
2015: ~$15–$20
(Netflix ~$8–10, Hulu ~$8)
This celebrity flew 62 miles above sea level to the Kármán line, which is widely regarded as the boundary line between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. She was up there for 11 minutes before returning to kiss the ground in Texas.
Who is "Katy Perry"?
This slang term refers to someone’s natural charm or ability to attract others, especially in flirting.
What is "rizz"?
This quote from popular Netflix TV Show "Squid Games" became meme'd as a "vocal stim" and is often used as a response to someone seeking advice in something the responder has participated in prior or has experience in.
What is "I've played these games before"?
In 2025, Yurina Noguchi, a Japanese woman, married 'this' after a difficult human engagement ended, she found emotional support and comfort with 'this', which led to a "proposal" and the ceremony. She wore a wedding dress and used augmented reality (AR) glasses to visualize her digital partner during the event.
What is an "AI Companion" or "AI Chatbot"?
In 2025, a major pop artist concert ticket often starts around this price.
What is $150-$200?
2015: ~$75–$100
This streamer broke major records during their month-long subathon called Mafiathon 3. It became one of 2025’s biggest streaming spectacles, blending gaming and celeb culture (and featured major celebrity cameos Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jonas Brothers).
Who is "Kai Cenat"?
This verbal tick and sometimes slang is Gen Alpha's nonsensical word of the year, meaning "so-so," "maybe," or just a cool sound, linked to a Skrilla song.
What is "6-7"?
This vacation advertisement was known for being a positive ray of sunshine but had their audio meme'd by being used ironically in vacation disaster videos or similarly chaotic clips.
What is "nothing beats a Jet2 Holiday"?
In 2025, millions of fans attend concerts inside platforms like Fortnite or Meta, watching live performances without ever leaving their couch.
What is a "virtual/digital concert"?
In 2025, a flagship smartphone commonly costs this much or more.
What is $1,000+?
2015: ~$650–$700
(iPhone 6 / Galaxy S6 era)
This celebrity became the center of a meme after a clip of them dancing confidently, joyfully, and slightly awkwardly from Apple TV+ series Your Friends & Neighbors surfaced on TikTok. This clip is often accompanied by "Turn the Lights Off" by Kato and Jon.
Who is "Jon Hamm"?
This new slang word is used to describe something you truly or genuinely feel, but are saying in an understated, subtle, or chill way (lowkey). It implies real emotions with zero drama.
What is "lowkenuinely"?
This AI fueled meme genre featuring over-the-top Italian stereotypes, exaggerated accents, operatic music, and nonsense visuals took took off on TikTok, where creators used AI image and voice tools to generate chaotic characters (often named things like Ballerina Cappuccina).
What is "Italian Brain Rot"?
In 2025, this replaces most human functions. Nowadays, some songs topping playlists are partially created by this instead of a human artist. Today, people regularly have full conversations with this non-human entity for advice, therapy, or companionship.
What is "Artificial Intelligence (AI)"?
In 2025, the average cost of a U.S. wedding is approximately this.
What is $30,000 or more?
(2015: ~$26,000–$28,000)
This singer wrote the lyrics "Get me to God's Country" which became a meme sometimes used sincerely, as a genuine longing for nature, tradition, or peace. Other times, it was played for the desire to escape. Giving “take me to the middle of nowhere” vibes. Either way, it tapped into a very real feeling this year: wanting to be somewhere else, anywhere else, even if just for a minute.
Who is "Morgan Wallen"?