Every year, new words are added to the dictionary, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of our language. These additions often surprise even the most seasoned linguists—not because they're nonsensical, but because they so perfectly capture the pulse of our times. In 2025, the dictionary is no longer just a formal catalog of language; it's a living document that evolves with culture, technology, and identity. Here are 10 shockingly real words that have made their way into our lexicon—and yes, they’re officially recognized.
Originally popularized through dictionary social media platforms like TikTok, rizz is shorthand for charisma or charm, especially in romantic contexts. If someone has “game” or can easily attract attention, they’ve got rizz. Its meteoric rise from slang to dictionary status shows the cultural power of Gen Z.
A term that exploded in celebrity discourse, a nepo baby refers to a person who has benefited professionally from the fame or influence of their relatives, particularly in the entertainment industry. While controversial, its inclusion in the dictionary reflects a growing cultural awareness of privilege and lineage.
Falling somewhere between a friendship and a romantic relationship, a situationship is that undefined grey area many people now find themselves in while dating. It’s a brutally honest term for modern love in the era of dating apps and commitment phobia.
Used in digital marketing and e-commerce, shoppable content refers to images or videos that allow users to directly purchase products featured in them. With the rise of influencer marketing, this word is as commercially powerful as it is modern.
Once reserved for tech-savvy users, unsend is now a universally recognized verb thanks to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage. It means to recall or delete a message after it's been sent—an option many of us are thankful now exists.
Short for "delusional," delulu has taken over online spaces to describe overly optimistic, often unrealistic fantasies—usually in relationships or fandoms. Though playful, it speaks volumes about the mental gymnastics people do to justify certain desires or beliefs.
While not new, the phrase main character has been redefined. It now refers to someone who sees themselves as the central figure in their life's story, often used humorously or with a hint of narcissism. It's about owning your narrative—or sometimes, doing a little too much.
A ghost kitchen is a food service establishment that prepares meals solely for delivery, without a physical dine-in location. It became prominent during the pandemic and remains a key player in the modern food industry.
Combining “finance” and “influencer,” a finfluencer is someone who gives financial advice on social media platforms. Whether it’s investment tips, budgeting hacks, or cryptocurrency insights, these digital gurus have earned a legitimate spot in both our culture and the dictionary.
An anxiety-inducing behavior, doomscrolling refers to continuously consuming negative news online, often late at night. The word perfectly captures the digital-age habit that affects mental health and sleep cycles alike.
These additions may seem quirky or casual, but they serve a deeper purpose. They validate the way we communicate today, reflecting everything from our anxieties and aspirations to our cultural obsessions. They prove that language is alive, constantly expanding to make room for new realities.
What once seemed like fleeting slang or niche jargon is now official language. These surprising dictionary entries aren’t just trendy—they’re useful, expressive, and unmistakably modern. As we move forward, it’s clear that the future of language belongs not just to academics, but to communities, creators, and cultures that shape the way we speak every day.