Cambridge Dictionary Selects 'Parasocial' as This Year's Top Word

Taylor Swift’s personal lyrics about relationships and emotional experiences foster “parasocial” connections with celebrities, psychologists suggest

“Parasocial” has been chosen as the Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year, describing imagined relationships individuals form with famous personalities they haven’t met.

Examples include the parasocial engagement displayed by supporters when musical artist Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce confirmed their engagement.

The terminology originated in 1956 when American sociology researchers noted television audiences developing “para-social” connections with on-screen figures.

Chief editor Colin McIntosh explained it recently describes “relationships between individuals and non-persons, such as celebrities.”

“It began as academic terminology and remained confined to scholarly contexts for considerable time,” he added.

“Only relatively recently has it transitioned into common language, influenced significantly by social media platforms.”

Lexicographers add new terms to the dictionary when they demonstrate lasting relevance beyond temporary trends, stated Colin McIntosh

Additional dictionary examples included Lily Allen’s breakup album West End Girl, which embraced parasocial fascination with her romantic life, and emerging parasocial connections with artificial intelligence companions, where “users interact with them as friends, confidants, or partners.”

Cambridge Dictionary has announced its 2025 word selection.

The intimate nature of podcast hosting has been cited as replacing genuine friendships and encouraging parasocial dynamics.

The dictionary observed increased searches following YouTube personality IShowSpeed blocking an obsessive supporter as his “primary parasocial.”

Parasocial extends beyond fascination to near-conviction of mutual recognition, commented Jessica Rundell

The concept was initially developed by University of Chicago sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl, who documented television viewers forming “para-social” bonds with television personalities, similar to relationships with actual family and friends.

They observed how television’s rapid expansion brought performers directly into households, establishing them as regular presences in viewers’ lives.

Senior editor Jessica Rundell stated: “We don’t evaluate words as positive or negative, or assess their validity—we determine whether they demonstrate longevity and widespread usage.”

Recent Cambridge Dictionary additions included skibidi, delulu, and tradwife.