The Cambridge Dictionary has declared ‘parasocial’ as its Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting the growing phenomenon of one-sided emotional connections individuals form with celebrities, influencers, and even AI chatbots. The term, which dates back to 1956, was originally coined by sociologists to describe the bond television viewers felt with on-screen personalities. Today, it has evolved to encompass the intense, often unreciprocated relationships people develop with public figures and digital entities. Lexicographers selected ‘parasocial’ amid a year marked by heightened interest in these dynamics, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into daily life. The dictionary also introduced new entries such as ‘skibidi’, ‘delulu’, and ‘tradwife’, reflecting the rapid evolution of language driven by internet culture. ‘Skibidi’, a slang term with varied meanings, can denote something cool or bad, or be used humorously. ‘Delulu’, a playful take on ‘delusional’, and ‘tradwife’, shorthand for a traditional wife who focuses on homemaking, were among the 6,212 new words and phrases added. Colin McIntosh, a lexicographer, emphasized that only words with ‘staying power’ are included, highlighting the fascinating impact of internet culture on language. Professor Simone Schnall of the University of Cambridge praised the choice, noting the rise of unhealthy parasocial relationships with influencers and AI tools like ChatGPT, which some treat as friends or therapeutic substitutes.