Vibe coding – the practice of building apps or websites by simply describing them to an AI – has been named the 2025 Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary, highlighting the growing influence of AI-assisted creativity and no-code development.
Though it’s technically two words, “vibe coding” captures a new wave of digital innovation where users can build functional applications without writing a single line of code.
What Is Vibe Coding?
Coined in February 2025 by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy, the term reflects how AI tools allow users to “forget that the code even exists” and instead “go with the vibes” when building digital products.
Instead of learning complex programming languages, you might tell an AI:
“Make me a program that plans my weekly meals.”
The AI then generates a basic app from your input — no coding required.
While more complex platforms still require technical skill, vibe coding has significantly lowered the barrier to entry for non-developers and sparked a movement of everyday creators in tech spaces — including in Africa.
Why It Matters for Rwanda and Africa
In a continent like Africa — where digital skills gaps often slow innovation — tools that let anyone build apps with AI could unlock massive potential.
For Rwandan entrepreneurs, students, or small businesses without access to traditional coding education, Vibe Coding democratises tech creation, offering a faster way to launch tools, solve local problems, or prototype ideas.
A Reflection of 2025’s Tech Culture
Collins says the term perfectly reflects how language evolves alongside technology. It was chosen from a shortlist of 10 words that captured the global mood and trends of the year.
“Vibe coding is more than a buzzword — it’s how people are building the future,” said Alex Beecroft, Managing Director of Collins.
Other Words That Made the Shortlist
Several other tech and culture terms also made the list:
- Clanker – slang for robots (popularised on TikTok)
- Broligarchy – a term describing powerful tech company owners and their influence
- Aura farming – doing things purely to look cool on camera
- Biohacking – altering one’s body for health and longevity
- Coolcation – travelling to cooler places to avoid heatwaves
- Henry – “High Earner, Not Rich Yet”
- Micro-retirement – taking time off work to focus on passion projects
- Glaze – giving excessive or fake praise
- Taskmasking – pretending to be productive at work
Final Thought
Vibe coding started as a niche idea. However, it now represents a global shift in how we build and interact with technology. As AI tools become more innovative and more accessible, the future of software development may not lie in traditional code — but in natural language, creativity, and vision.
For Rwanda’s growing tech scene, this shift could be a game-changer.
Are you ready to build your next app with just your words?
The future of coding is in the vibe.
