Summary
Oxford University Press chose "rage bait" as its 2025 word of the year. The term describes online content designed to provoke anger and attract attention. This highlights a trend in digital communication where negative content often gets more engagement.
Key Facts
- "Rage bait" was named 2025 word of the year by Oxford University Press.
- It refers to content made to provoke anger, with the goal of increasing social media engagement.
- Lexicographer Susie Dent discussed this type of content’s popularity and its impact on audience interaction.
- Social media algorithms tend to highlight negative or provocative content because it garners more engagement.
- "Aura farming" and "biohack" were other shortlisted words.
- "Aura farming" involves creating a confident or mysterious public image.
- "Biohack" refers to efforts to improve health or performance.
- Oxford University Press has chosen an annual word of the year since 2004 to reflect cultural trends in language.
