The Oxford English Dictionary has selected “rage bait” as its word of the year for 2025.
Oxford University Press experts officially defined the term as online content deliberately designed to elicit anger or outrage.
This content is typically frustrating, provocative, or offensive, posted specifically to increase traffic or engagement.
Oxford linguists reported that usage of “rage bait” has tripled over the past 12 months.
The term first appeared in a 2002 Usenet article describing a driver’s reaction to flashing headlights.
It later entered internet slang to describe viral posts designed to provoke strong reactions.
The dictionary notes that “rage bait” has since become part of media and creative professionals’ vocabulary.
This practice has led to “rage-farming,” where provocative content manipulates internet users’ reactions.
Such content aims to provoke either anger or interest in specific topics for engagement purposes. – BERNAMA