2025 Swedish Neologisms Reflect Societal Challenges and Technological Trends

The 2025 list of newly recognized Swedish words reveals a linguistic portrait of current societal moods, political nuances, and technological advancements. Terms like 'permakris' denote the experience of overlapping and persistent crises such as climate change and political tensions. Nonsensical expressions such as 'six seven' and 'skibidi,' derived from social media culture, illustrate a trend toward escapism amid ongoing global difficulties.

Technological progress is clearly reflected with words like 'generativ AI,' 'AI-agent,' and 'vibbkodning,' the latter describing a method of programming using AI to translate natural language into code, a concept also acknowledged internationally. 'Drönarmur' refers to technical systems designed to prevent unauthorized drone crossings, illustrating technological security concerns.

Societal issues are also embedded in the new vocabulary; 'broligark' characterizes wealthy tech figures seeking political influence, while 'wokehöger' critiques right-wing conservatives acting on emotion rather than reason. The term 'existential sustainability' has entered public discussion, highlighting a growing focus on meaning and security in life, supported by a Swedish study showing a quadrupling in feelings of life's meaninglessness over 20 years.

The list includes cultural phenomena like 'mammakorv,' an oversized popular coat. While some commentators find the list somber, noting it captures media discourse on societal unease and restlessness, official health statistics remain positive, with increased life expectancy and strong mental well-being among Swedes.

Overall, these new words encapsulate how Swedes linguistically navigate crisis, technology, and cultural shifts in 2025, with many expected to persist as markers of this era's societal climate.