Word of the Year 2026

Copilot Search Branding - The Words of the Year 2025 reflect online culture, AI influence, and social trends, with Oxford choosing "rage bait," Merriam-Webster "slop," and Dictionary.com "67."

Oxford Word of the Year: "Rage Bait" - Oxford University Press selected rage bait as its 2025 Word of the Year. The term refers to online content deliberately designed to provoke anger or outrage, often to increase engagement or traffic on social media and websites. Its usage tripled over the year, highlighting a shift in how attention is sought and manipulated online. Rage bait combines "rage" (violent anger) and "bait" (something enticing), emphasizing content that sparks emotional reactions rather than curiosity alone, reflecting concerns about digital wellbeing and social unrest. oup.com

Merriam-Webster Word of the Year: "Slop" - Merriam-Webster chose slop, defined as low-quality digital content, often produced in quantity by AI. The term captures the proliferation of absurd videos, fake news, AI-generated books, and other content that is simultaneously annoying and widely consumed. Historically, "slop" referred to soft mud or food waste, but in 2025 it became a metaphor for soulless or careless AI output, highlighting society’s ambivalent relationship with artificial intelligence. Merriam-Webster

Dictionary.com Word of the Year: "67" - Dictionary.com named "67" as its 2025 Word of the Year, a slang term used by youth to mean "so-so," "maybe this," or "maybe that." The term emerged from internet culture, memes, and viral content, including music and sports references. It exemplifies the playful, absurdist language trends among younger generations and serves as a social signal or inside joke within online communities

Rage baiters

is for haters

Wrong advertising

Emotional catastrophizing

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Slop

chop, chop

AI is everywhere

some good, some not aware

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67

similar to 'not even'

absurdity

surety

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Popular and Inspirational Words for 2026

Growth – positive evolution of character or spirit, learning, and improvement. alisonrosevintage.com

Balance – maintaining harmony in life, work, and relationships. blog.mylifenote.ai

Courage – embracing bravery and facing challenges. blog.mylifenote.ai

Peace – calm assurance, freedom from negative thoughts, emotional healing. alisonrosevintage.com

Joy – pleasure, gratitude, and wonder in daily life. alisonrosevintage.com

Focus – clarity and dedication toward goals. blog.mylifenote.ai

Connection – fostering meaningful relationships and community. blog.mylifenote.ai

Words for Mindfulness and Calm

Calm – letting go of worries, embracing contentment. alisonrosevintage.com

Savor – enjoying the depth of experiences and relationships. alisonrosevintage.com

Intentional – living with purpose and deliberate choices. alisonrosevintage.com

Acceptance – embracing life as it unfolds with grace. The Goal Chaser

Words for Creativity and Play

Whimsy – playful charm and wonder, filling life with joy. alisonrosevintage.com

Bloom – growth, expansion, and flourishing authentically. alisonrosevintage.com

Flourish – thriving and becoming your most vibrant self. alisonrosevintage.com

Soulful – living with depth, tenderness, and authenticity. alisonrosevintage.com

Words for Action and Achievement

Achieve – setting and fulfilling goals. The Goal Chaser

Act – taking initiative and turning plans into action. The Goal Chaser

Abundance – recognizing and embracing life’s richness. The Goal Chaser

Absolve – releasing past regrets and embracing personal freedom. The Goal Chaser

These words can be used as a personal theme for 2026, helping you focus on what you want more of in your life, whether it’s emotional well-being, creativity, mindfulness, or goal achievement. thechiclife.com

You can select one that resonates emotionally and serves as a daily reminder to guide your decisions and actions throughout the year.

Growth, joy, peace, balance, courage, connection, focus

Calm, savor, intentional, acceptance of us

Whimsy, bloom, flourish, soulful and just

Achieve, act, abundance, absolve and justice

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Many words, many thoughts, what will it be

When willl they be chosen, we will wait and see

In the meantime, select some for you to focus on

I will try out 67 on the grandson, before it's gone

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My choice of some is joy, peace, calm, acceptance,

soulful and just, then I will achieve, act and dance

my way to abundance, whimsy, and savor and flourish

the rest of my time on this earth. I will think cherish.