Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship has already influenced pop culture, sports, fashion, and now the English language dictionary’s word of the year. Reportedly, the Cambridge Dictionary has chosen “parasocial” as its 2025 Word of the Year, citing Swift and Kelce’s engagement. The pop icon’s strong connection with fans has been a significant influence on the decision. Hence, the couple’s story continues to show just how powerful a pop culture moment can be.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship now impacting Cambridge Dictionary
PEOPLE reported that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship has now influenced the Cambridge Dictionary. According to Cambridge University Press & Assessment, “parasocial” describes “a connection that someone feels between themselves and a famous person they do not know, a character in a book, film, TV series, etc., or an artificial intelligence.”
The editors explained that many fans formed emotional ties to Swift through her deeply personal lyrics and storytelling. These feelings mirror genuine relationships despite being one-sided.
The official release noted, “Millions of fans related to Taylor Swift’s confessional lyrics about dating, heartbreak, and desire.” It read, “When Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement, many fans felt a deep connection to the singer and American footballer, even though most had never met them.”
Cambridge Dictionary’s chief editor, Colin McIntosh, said the choice reflects how modern culture and online fandom have changed language. McIntosh said, “Parasocial captures the 2025 zeitgeist.” He added, “It’s a great example of how language changes. What was once a specialist academic term has become mainstream.”
The chief editor highlighted that searches for the word have spiked on the site as people try to understand their own relationships with celebrities and influencers. McIntosh pointed out, “The language around parasocial phenomena is evolving fast.”
Swift herself has often acknowledged how closely fans follow her lyrics and hints. Speaking to Z100’s Elvis Duran Show last October, she noted that though some fan theories are “based in absolutely nothing close to reality,” there “are some that are so fun when they figure them out.”
In the end, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship hasn’t just changed headlines — it’s reportedly also impacted the dictionary’s word of the year.
