The annual selection of popular phrases in dictionaries often appears dull and out of touch. Recent additions like “rage bait,” “parasocial,” and “vibe coding” may seem like a fusion of trendy terms but fail to truly capture the spirit of the times.
If a phrase were to encapsulate the essence of this challenging year in the English language, it would likely be “Trump grovelling.” These words may have slipped from your lips frequently in 2025 amidst a climate of excessive flattery and submission to the former president.
Since his inauguration, tech magnates shamelessly sought favor from him, transforming cabinet meetings into displays of sycophantic behavior reminiscent of medieval courts. Expressions of adulation, such as Steve Witkoff’s declaration that working for Trump was the pinnacle of his life, were met with a smug acknowledgment from the controversial figure.
International figures, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Fifa’s Gianni Infantino, also showered Trump with praise, illustrating a global trend of deference towards his actions. Even high-profile individuals like Nato General Secretary Mark Rutte and UK politician Keir Starmer resorted to flattery, highlighting the extent to which powerful figures were willing to debase themselves in the presence of the former president.
However, as the year concludes, a glimmer of hope emerges from an unexpected source—the BBC. Trump’s audacious demand for a substantial fine from the British broadcaster following a contentious edit of one of his speeches presents an opportunity for the BBC to challenge his accusations head-on.
By standing up to Trump’s falsehoods and manipulation, the BBC can reclaim its integrity and hold the most powerful man on the planet accountable for his actions. It is crucial for the BBC to resist Trump’s attempts to deflect attention from significant issues and focus on seeking justice through legal means.
In the face of mounting evidence and formal accusations against Trump, the BBC must exhibit courage and pursue legal action against him, demonstrating that no price is too high to combat the culture of subservience to his authority.
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