Sweden's 2025 New Words Reflect Political, Social, and Technological Shifts

Sweden's list of new words for 2025, compiled by Språkrådet and Språktidningen, features 27 terms that mirror the country's current social, political, and technological landscape. These include "AI-agent," describing software capable of autonomously performing tasks using artificial intelligence, and "Balkongkraftverk," small solar power systems for personal use on balconies, demonstrating growing environmental and energy awareness. Emerging social issues are highlighted by terms like "Broligark," referring to extremely wealthy tech entrepreneurs seeking political influence, humorously connected to figures like Elon Musk.

The political climate strongly influences several entries, such as "handelsbazooka" and "hämndtull," linked to the United States' aggressive trade policies under President Donald Trump, who resumed office early this year. The term "Trumpviskare" denotes those close to the president, and "Wokehöger" describes emotionally driven right-wing movements. New words also focus on societal challenges: "Hjärnröta" points to intellectual decline from trivial social media content, while "Dunkelflaute" symbolizes weather conditions limiting renewable energy generation.

Cultural and youth expressions are represented by phrases like "six seven" and "Skibidi," popularized by younger generations and social media. Furthermore, "Existentiell hållbarhet" connects sustainability to human needs for meaning and security, reflecting deeper societal concerns.

Language advisor Linnea Hanell noted how youth vernacular is increasingly absorbed into adult language, signaling cultural shifts. While many new entries won't endure long-term, they offer valuable snapshots of Sweden's evolving identity in 2025.