Oxford Dictionary adds fresh wave of global words in 2025

The Oxford English Dictionary has introduced a fresh set of global additions in its 2025 updates, signaling how rapidly English adapts to cultural shifts and digital communication.

New entries released in March and September showcase influences from Irish English, Tagalog, South African English, and Southeast Asian English.

GIGIL: A Tagalog word describing the irresistible urge to squeeze something adorable. Its presence in the dictionary highlights the growing reach of Filipino pop culture in online spaces.

ALAMAK: A familiar exclamation in Malaysia and Singapore used to express surprise or mild shock. Its inclusion shows how Southeast Asian English continues to expand its global footprint.

YOH: A slang term from South Africa that conveys amazement or disbelief. Its spread on social media helped bring it into mainstream English.

LUDRAMAN: An Irish English word for someone idle, slow, or foolish. Its cultural tone made it stand out in the 2025 selection.

BLAA: A soft white bread roll rooted in Irish cuisine, now officially recognized for its culinary significance. The term reflects how food culture influences language use.

DEBS: A shortened form of “debutantes’ ball” within Irish school traditions, referring to a formal dance. Its everyday usage contributed to its acceptance.

MORTO: Irish slang describing intense embarrassment or shame. The word has become more common in online exchanges, especially among young users.

MINERAL: In Irish English, “mineral” informally means a soft drink. The new listing captures its distinct regional meaning.

HIDDEN GEM: Long used in travel and lifestyle content, this phrase has now earned formal recognition. Its rise reflects how reviews and recommendations shape present-day English.

TUMBLEWEED: Known in digital conversations as a metaphor for awkward silence or absence of response. The OED now includes updated meanings to reflect this usage.

The 2025 update underscores two broad patterns in modern English. Global cultures, especially from Asia, Africa, and Ireland, continue to shape the language. Digital communication also speeds up how quickly regional expressions spread across countries.

From “gigil” to “morto,” the latest entries show that English evolves alongside people, technology, and culture, remaining fluid rather than fixed.