Cambridge Dictionary 2025 Word of the Year: "Parasocial"
The prestigious Cambridge Dictionary of Britain has chosen the term "parasocial" as the main word for 2025. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
According to representatives of the dictionary, this word has been frequently used in society in recent years and has begun to express a new social phenomenon. The term "parasocial" refers to a one-sided but strong emotional attachment a person has towards someone they do not personally know.
For example, such a relationship can form with celebrities, bloggers, actors, book characters, or even in connection with artificial intelligence. In such cases, the famous person is often unaware of these feelings directed towards them, but they become an important figure for the fan.
Research shows that in 2025, parasocial relationships are widespread on social networks. Many users perceive events in the lives of their favorite stars as if they relate to their own personal lives.
Sometimes these feelings are experienced with deep distress or joy. The term "parasocial" was first used in 1956 by sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl.
They used this word to describe the one-sided "closeness" that forms among viewers towards television hosts. Initially, this term was mainly used in academic circles, but in recent years, influenced by social networks and mass media programs, it has become widely recognized by the general public and has entered everyday vocabulary.
Linguists believe that such new terms are not temporary trends but are becoming an important part of modern communication processes.
According to representatives of the dictionary, this word has been frequently used in society in recent years and has begun to express a new social phenomenon. The term "parasocial" refers to a one-sided but strong emotional attachment a person has towards someone they do not personally know.
For example, such a relationship can form with celebrities, bloggers, actors, book characters, or even in connection with artificial intelligence. In such cases, the famous person is often unaware of these feelings directed towards them, but they become an important figure for the fan.
Research shows that in 2025, parasocial relationships are widespread on social networks. Many users perceive events in the lives of their favorite stars as if they relate to their own personal lives.
Sometimes these feelings are experienced with deep distress or joy. The term "parasocial" was first used in 1956 by sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl.
They used this word to describe the one-sided "closeness" that forms among viewers towards television hosts. Initially, this term was mainly used in academic circles, but in recent years, influenced by social networks and mass media programs, it has become widely recognized by the general public and has entered everyday vocabulary.
Linguists believe that such new terms are not temporary trends but are becoming an important part of modern communication processes.
