Cambridge Dictionary recently named “parasocial” its Word of the Year, a title that reflects the surge in media usage following the engagement announcement of celebrities Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The couple revealed their engagement on August 26, 2025, through a romantic post on social media, triggering a notable increase in searches for the term.
The word “parasocial” describes the one-sided relationships individuals often feel with public figures, such as celebrities or fictional characters. According to Cambridge Dictionary, the term gained prominence as the media extensively covered the couple’s engagement, leading to a spike in public interest. Fans took to social media to discuss their feelings about the engagement, often using the term in their conversations.
“Global coverage of the way in which Taylor Swift announced her engagement to Travis Kelce caused lookups of parasocial to surge as the media dissected fans’ reactions,”
noted the dictionary in its explanation of the award. Many users commented on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, saying phrases like, “I’m not being parasocial about it,” highlighting how the engagement resonated with fans on a personal level.
Colin McIntosh, Chief Editor of Cambridge Dictionary, elaborated on the term’s rise. He stated that “parasocial stood out in 2025 for several reasons,” emphasizing the remarkable increase in searches. The interest was reflected in both Cambridge Dictionary’s search data and broader queries on Google.
He further remarked, “It’s interesting from a language point of view because it has made the transition from an academic term to one used by ordinary people in their social media posts. And it also captures the zeitgeist of 2025, as the public’s fascination with celebrities and their lifestyles continues to reach new heights.”
The engagement post by Swift and Kelce gained immense popularity, amassing over 37 million likes. The caption humorously stated, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” showcasing their playful personalities while cementing their status as a power couple in popular culture.
The excitement surrounding their engagement has led to widespread discussions among fans, who continue to express their support and admiration for the couple across various social media platforms. This phenomenon illustrates how celebrity culture and public engagement can significantly influence language and its usage in contemporary society.
As the fascination with celebrity relationships continues to evolve, the recognition of “parasocial” by Cambridge Dictionary reflects not only a linguistic trend but also a cultural moment that captures the essence of modern fandom.
