A real dictionary-verified word, what it means, and how to use it to sound like a stronger English speaker — including in IELTS Speaking.
Every November, Cambridge Dictionary picks one word that best captures the year in English. For 2025, it's parasocial — announced on 18 November 2025, beating out other new entries like slop, tradwife, skibidi, and delulu.
It's genuinely useful vocabulary, not just a trending buzzword — which is exactly why it's worth five minutes, whether you're learning English generally or preparing for IELTS Speaking.
Cambridge Dictionary's official definition: "involving or relating to a connection that someone feels between themselves and a famous person they do not know."
Picture this: you watch the same YouTuber every day. You feel like you know their humour, their opinions, even their dog's name — but they've never met you. That one-sided closeness is a parasocial relationship. The idea isn't new — sociologists coined it back in 1956 studying television audiences — but influencers, streamers, and AI chatbots have made it a daily experience for millions of people, which is why Cambridge chose it now.
Media, celebrities, and technology come up often in Part 2 and Part 3. Try this Part 3 question out loud:
"Do you think it's healthy for people to feel emotionally connected to celebrities or influencers they've never met?"
A stronger opening, using today's vocabulary correctly: "I think it depends on the degree. It's completely normal to admire a public figure — but when that turns into a genuinely one-sided parasocial attachment, that's when it can become unhealthy, because the relationship isn't reciprocated at all."
That's precise, current vocabulary used accurately in context — exactly what examiners are listening for at Band 7 and above. Not slang like "delulu," which has no place in the exam room, but real, dictionary-verified words used naturally.
Want the full breakdown? Our companion article on smoothenglishcompany.com covers the complete story, the related words added this year, and a full sample Band 7+ answer: Read the full guide →
Curious how naturally vocabulary like this actually comes out when you speak under real test pressure, not just when you read it? Run the free assessment below and find out.
What does parasocial mean?
Cambridge Dictionary defines it as "involving or relating to a connection that someone feels between themselves and a famous person they do not know." It's a one-sided feeling of closeness to a celebrity, influencer, or public figure.
Why did Cambridge Dictionary choose parasocial as Word of the Year 2025?
Cambridge lexicographers chose it on 18 November 2025 because it captured a defining trend of the year: the growing number of one-sided emotional connections people form with influencers, streamers, and even AI chatbots.
Can I use words like 'parasocial' in the IELTS Speaking test?
Yes, when the topic fits naturally — media, celebrities, technology, or relationships are common Part 2 and Part 3 areas. Precise, current vocabulary like "parasocial," "one-sided," and "public figure" can support a higher Lexical Resource score when used accurately, unlike informal slang such as "delulu" or "skibidi," which aren't appropriate for the exam.