about 2 hours ago

Why “Parasocial” Became Word of the Year Thanks to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

Cambridge Dictionary chose “parasocial” as its 2025 Word of the Year, crediting the surge in fans who felt emotionally connected to Swift and Kelce’s engagement. Cambridge said Swift’s confessional lyrics and their public romance drove huge spikes in searches as people formed imagined bonds. The term describes a one-sided connection fans feel with celebrities they’ve never met.