The 2025 Oxford Word Of The Year

The Oxford Word of the Year for 2025 is "rage bait." This term is defined as online content deliberately designed to provoke anger or outrage, often by being frustrating or offensive. The selection reflects current societal conversations and concerns, highlighting the impact of digital communication on emotions and interactions.

The choice of "rage bait" was made by Oxford University Press after a public vote, which involved over 30,000 participants worldwide. This word joins a tradition of annual selections that aim to capture the zeitgeist of the year.

Oxford University Press

Our political world is rage bait
It is not ending to this date
in October of 2026
It makes me sick
I hate politics
this month before voting
It's not what will be done
but what maybe the other one
is accused of or shouldn't have won
~
No new word just yet.
for 2026, will get
a continued year
of rage bait and fear
Many words are on the list
and what better than a fist
raised in the air in the distance
for solidarity and resistance
as a people we are in trouble
if rage baiting continues to double
~
It is not just on social media
television, and meetings, newsmedia
advertisement, and it doesn't stop
I would like the power to chop
it off, and not bring it back
now that would be a good hack.
Millions are spent and requested
each day. Give three or four dollars today
for each dollar you give, many more
will be asked of you, so on this day
say no more. Delete, delete, delete or
is it fair that some have so much more
and maybe don't need to ask as
the billionares are funding for the right
to run things, and run people
what a world we live in
now this is a sin
when money wins
~
Now that was rage bait
Not my best hate
I'm over hating
and baiting
it is so frustrating
No money here
no office here or there
Thank God!
It is good being odd
I just want comfort
no big house, big fort
big bank account err
I like giving to cancer
to goodwill, to sally
and don't keep a tally
of who does what for who
or who doesn't do what for you
~
The selection of Words of the Year involves several key criteria.

• Frequency of Use: The word must show a significant and sustained increase in usage, not just a temporary spike.

• Cultural Relevance: The word should be connected to meaningful events or cultural trends that resonate with the public.

• Impact: It should capture something essential about the year, reflecting societal changes or sentiments.

• Lexicographical Evidence: Teams of lexicographers analyze real language data to support their choice, ensuring the word's relevance and usage are well-documented

Oxford University Press

It's sad when there is support for rage bait
So much spewing of hate
Time to get to my next date
Training, explaining, I won't be late
No rage bait in the material
Just me and my co-trainer being real
A joke her and a good laugh there
It is important to be aware of who all is there
There will be drawing for small prizes at the end
a reward for some who stay until the end and depend
on the CEU's to keep a license or two for one.
So much fun interacting with each and everyone.
~
Lets do our part
in making next years world have a bit of heart
Let's start now
By being kind, telling the truth, practicing love that's how
Hippies had most of it right
Let's bring some of that back to light!
First time I smudged with hippies, and it was great!
It was back in 66. As Native people we couldn't until 1978.
Times change and so will we.
Time to let it be, let it be, let be...
We shall see