Vibe coding, the year’s Word of the Year in 2025, refers to turning natural language into code with AI, a concept originally coined by Andrej Karpathy and popularized as programming by vibes rather than traditional coding.

Supporters say vibe coding embodies how language evolves with technology and makes coding more accessible through natural-language prompts, potentially letting AI handle a large portion of development tasks.

Alex Beecroft, Collins’ managing director, notes vibe coding illustrates the shift in language and underscores AI’s role in democratizing coding access.

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Reactions among tech insiders are mixed, with some viewing vibe coding as revolutionary while others worry about practical implications for developers and projects.

The article situates vibe coding within broader tech-culture dynamics, including implications of elite tech leadership at political events.

The feature frames a broader cultural and technological shift driven by AI, social trends, and perceptions of tech leaders and platforms.

Aura farming and glaze appear as terms tied to online personas and charisma, reflecting a trend where public perception intersects with tech culture.

Glaze describes excessive flattery, while aura farming denotes cultivating a charismatic persona beyond gaming audiences.

HENRY—high earner, not rich yet—highlights evolving socio-economic labels tied to the tech economy.

Caution is urged about over-promising with vibe coding, encouraging readers to consider practical limits and potential risks.

Entry points for vibe coding include platforms like Base44, Replit, and Lovable, which offer free credits to start generating code.