The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded once again in 2025, adding close to 600 new words, senses and expressions that reflect the rapid evolution of global English. The latest update highlights how cultural exchange, digital communication and regional identities continue to reshape the language.
The March and September 2025 updates together showcase a wide linguistic spectrum, with significant contributions from Irish English, Tagalog, South African English and Southeast Asian English.
Below are some of the most notable additions:
GIGIL
A Tagalog-origin term describing the irresistible urge to squeeze something extremely cute. Its inclusion signals the growing global resonance of Filipino culture and digital expressions.
ALAMAK
A widely used exclamation in Malaysia and Singapore denoting surprise or mild shock. The word’s addition reflects the rising visibility of Southeast Asian English in global discourse.
YOH
A South African slang expression used to convey amazement or disbelief. Its popularity on social media has helped propel it into mainstream English.
LUDRAMAN
An Irish-English term referring to a slow, idle or foolish person. Its vivid cultural tone made it a memorable addition to this year’s list.
BLAA
A soft white Irish bread roll, now recognised for its culinary and cultural relevance. The entry reflects the growing acceptance of regional food terms in the global lexicon.
DEBS
Short for “debutantes’ ball” in Irish school culture, referring to a formal end-of-school dance. Its everyday usage secured its place in the OED.
MORTO
An Irish slang term expressing deep embarrassment or shame. Its rise in online conversations, particularly among younger speakers, has driven its inclusion.
MINERAL
In Irish English, this refers informally to a soft drink. The entry underscores how local meanings can differ significantly from global usage.
HIDDEN GEM
A popular phrase in travel and lifestyle content, now formally recognised due to its widespread use in recommendations and reviews.
TUMBLEWEED
Traditionally associated with dry plants rolling in the wind, the word has gained new digital meanings, especially to signal awkward silence or a lack of response online. The OED now includes these contemporary senses.
WHAT THE 2025 UPDATE REVEALS
The new additions illustrate two clear trends shaping English today:
- Global cultures—particularly from Asia, Africa and Ireland—are increasingly influencing mainstream English.
- Digital communication accelerates the spread of regional expressions, enabling words to gain global traction faster than ever.
From “gigil” to “morto,” the 2025 OED update underscores that language is constantly evolving. English continues to grow by absorbing local colour, cultural nuance and online-era vocabulary, reminding us that it changes as people, technology and societies change.
