The prestigious Macquarie Dictionary has unveiled its shortlist for the 2025 Word of the Year, featuring fifteen lexical newcomers that have captured the Australian zeitgeist. From tech jargon to culinary creations and Gen Alpha slang, the list offers a fascinating snapshot of contemporary language.
From AI Slop to the Roman Empire: The Contenders
The eclectic shortlist is in the running for both the Committee's Choice and the People's Choice awards. Notable entries include 'AI slop', defining the low-quality content churned out by generative AI, and 'Australian sushi', describing a thick, hand-held sushi roll wrapped in nori. Pop culture is well represented with phrases like 'ate (and left no crumbs)', signifying a flawless performance, and 'Roman empire', referring to a subject someone thinks about incessantly.
Victoria Morgan, the dictionary's Executive Editor, highlighted the selection's diversity. She noted the list spans serious issues like 'medical misogyny' to playful, nonsensical Gen Alpha slang such as 'six-seven'. "The public is always interested in what's new, what's taking our attention," Morgan stated, emphasising that the shortlist reflects a broad spectrum of modern communication.
How to Vote and Past Winners
The public now has a decisive role to play. Voting for the People's Choice award is open until Sunday night, with the winners in both categories set to be announced the following Tuesday. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year awards.
Looking back at recent victors provides context for the evolving linguistic landscape. The 2024 winner for both categories was the brilliantly descriptive 'enshittification'. In 2023, the Committee chose the cost-of-living slang 'cozzie livs', while the public voted for 'generative AI'. The political term 'teal' swept both awards in 2022.
A Global Trend in Lexicography
Macquarie Dictionary is not alone in its annual tradition. It becomes the third major dictionary to announce its 2025 word of the year. Collins Dictionary recently crowned 'vibe coding' as its winner, while Dictionary.com selected the numerical form of the shortlisted term, '67', in late October.
Despite the inclusion of youth-driven slang like 'six-seven', Morgan expressed scepticism about its chances of winning the popular vote. "If the kids get hold or get wind of this, I'm sure they'll be pushing for that 'six-seven', but I can't see that taking out our word of the year at all," she remarked.
The full shortlist, complete with official definitions, showcases the dynamic and often surprising ways in which language continues to grow and adapt to our changing world.
