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The latest OED update shows how quickly language changes as new cultures, online trends and everyday expressions enter global usage. The 2025 additions remind us that English continues to grow by capturing the way people speak and connect across the world.

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded again in 2025, adding dozens of new words and expressions from around the world. These additions reflect how English continues to grow by absorbing cultural expressions, digital-age slang, and region-specific terms that have crossed borders.

The March and September 2025 updates highlight linguistic diversity, especially from Irish English, Tagalog, South African English and Southeast Asian English.

GIGIL 
A Tagalog-origin word used to describe the overwhelming urge to squeeze something unbearably cute. Its inclusion reflects how Filipino pop culture has influenced global online conversations.

ALAMAK
A common exclamation in Malaysia and Singapore, expressing surprise or mild shock. The word’s entry shows the growing impact of Southeast Asian English on global vocabulary.

YOH 
A South African slang expression used to convey amazement or disbelief. Its spread on social media contributed to its acceptance into the OED.

LUDRAMAN 
An Irish-English term referring to someone who is slow, idle or foolish. The word’s cultural flavour made it a distinctive addition in the 2025 update.

BLAA

A soft white bread roll from Irish cuisine, now recognised for its cultural and culinary relevance. The term acknowledges the influence of regional foods on global language trends.

DEBS

Short for “debutantes’ ball” in Irish school culture, referring to a formal school dance. Its modern usage helped cement the term within everyday English.

MORTO

Irish slang meaning deep embarrassment or shame. The term has risen in online conversations, especially among younger speakers.

MINERAL

In Irish English, “mineral” informally means a soft drink. Its entry captures how local meanings differ significantly from global usage.

HIDDEN GEM

Already widely used in travel and lifestyle writing, the phrase has now been formally recognised by the OED. Its popularity reflects how reviews and recommendations shape modern English.

TUMBLEWEED

Often used metaphorically online to signal awkward silence or lack of response. The OED has added new senses of this word to capture its digital-age meaning.

WHAT THE 2025 LIST SHOWS

The 2025 additions reflect two major trends:

English is increasingly shaped by global cultures, especially from Asia, Africa and Ireland.

Digital communication accelerates word adoption, allowing regional terms to spread quickly across borders.

From “gigil” to “morto,” the latest OED update demonstrates how English continues to absorb local colour and digital-era expressions, reminding us that language is never fixed, it moves with people, technology and culture.

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