'Rage Bait' Dominates Social Media: Unveiling the Word of the Year 2025

In the digital age where every click is a currency, Oxford University Press has fittingly crowned “rage bait” as the word of the year 2025. Remember those posts that got you all riled up and eager to set the record straight in the comments? That’s rage bait for you – the viral kingpin of today’s online space.

A Reflection of 2025’s Internet Zeitgeist

The choice for rage bait shines a light on a reality where emotions drive engagement. As stated in ABC News, “rage bait” epitomizes online content that seeks to incite anger or controversy, turning digital frustration into social media gold.

Why Rage Bait Reigns Supreme

Lexicographer Susie Dent from BBC explains the phenomenon, emphasizing algorithms’ inclination to promote provocative content over fluffy cat videos. It highlights our innate tendency to engage more with content that stirs us up, pushing those share buttons harder and faster.

Contenders in the Lexical Arena

Other contenders in this year’s linguistic race were intriguing terms like “aura farming” and “biohack.” While the former reflects a curated aura of coolness or mystery – think social media influencers – the latter involves individuals hacking their biological systems for optimized health and longevity.

Historical Context of the Word of the Year

Since 2004, Oxford University Press has celebrated culturally significant words. From “podcast” in 2005 to “goblin mode” in 2022, these annual selections mirror society’s evolving concerns and interests.

Concluding Thoughts

The naming of “rage bait” as word of the year is both a reflection and a call to reconsider how we interact with the digital world. As we look towards the future, will we embrace a calmer digital interaction, or continue to let outrage fuel our online habits? The answer may just shape the next word of the year.