In a trend that raises eyebrows, the selection of dictionary phrases of the year often misses the mark, with terms like “rage bait,” “parasocial,” and “vibe coding” coming across as uninspiring and detached from reality. These phrases seem like a mishmash of trendy words borrowed from a TikTok influencer, failing to truly capture the spirit of the times.
If there is one phrase that encapsulates the essence of this challenging year in the English language, it would likely be “Trump grovelling.” It’s a term that probably found its way into many conversations in 2025, expressing exasperation at the excessive flattery directed towards the former president.
Since his inauguration, prominent figures, including tech billionaires, engaged in shameless displays of adulation towards Trump, reminiscent of medieval courts where loyalty to the king was paramount. The level of sycophancy reached extremes, with individuals like Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff proclaiming, “Mr. President, working for you is the greatest honor of my life,” eliciting a smirk from the controversial leader.
International figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino also joined the chorus of praise, with Netanyahu thanking Trump for military actions with grandiose statements and Infantino suggesting a peace prize for the divisive leader.
Even beyond American borders, leaders like Nato General Secretary Mark Rutte and UK’s Keir Starmer resorted to flattery and subservience, highlighting the extent to which influential figures were willing to degrade themselves in pursuit of favor from Trump.
However, as the year comes to a close, a glimmer of hope emerges from an unexpected source – the BBC. The network’s defiance against Trump’s legal threats over a contentious edit of a speech signals a stance against unwarranted attacks on press freedom.
Critics believe Trump’s aggressive response to the BBC’s error serves as a diversion from other pressing issues, such as the Epstein files and the nation’s economic challenges. The BBC’s potential legal action against Trump signifies a critical stand against his manipulative tactics and false narratives.
The call for the BBC to stand firm and confront Trump in court resonates as a vital step in upholding journalistic integrity and challenging authoritative abuse. The network’s commitment to seeking accountability from powerful figures sets a precedent for defending truth and transparency in the face of political coercion.