Ah yes, it’s time again to review the new additions to Merriam-Webster’s list of new words and phrases coined in 2025. And, because this was written in late November, 2025, watch for more to come!
Here we go…
AFAIK stands for “as far as I know.” As it is overwhelmingly found in written use, there is no agreement yet on whether it should be pronounced as an acronym (ah-FAYK), or if it is an initialism, and therefore each one of its letters is fully pronounced.
If it is said that when someone ate or ate and left no crumbs, they have performed or done something perfectly or impressively, whether that be singing, dancing, or dressing fashionably and looking good, etc. In other words, they’ve done something flawlessly, as well as it could possibly be done.
Aura farming refers to the act of doing something to look cool, impressive, stylish, etc., especially—and importantly—without trying too hard. One can also “farm aura,” that is, do something in order to enhance one’s coolness.
Bloatware refers to pre-installed computer software that is unwanted, usually because it takes up a large amount of memory and impedes functionality, is difficult to remove, or is generally substandard and unasked for.
A broligarchy is a small group of extremely wealthy men, particularly those in technology, who wield significant political and economic power. A man who is a member of the broligarchy is a broligarch.
The Gen Z stare is a vacant expression that members of Generation Z give in situations where a spoken response would be expected. It occurs in classrooms, restaurants, and other social settings, and often appears judgmental to those on the receiving end.
Sigma is an Internet slang term, especially among young men, referring to a man whose self-assured, dogged individualism is considered a model of status, success, and attractiveness. It can also mean “extremely good,” and is also widely used as a nonsense term and meme online.
