Overview
- Collins defines vibe coding as using artificial intelligence to generate software from natural‑language instructions, calling it “programming by vibes, not variables.”
- The term was coined in February 2025 by Andrej Karpathy to describe building apps by stating intent so thoroughly that some creators “forget that the code even exists.”
- Lexicographers selected the winner from the 24‑billion‑word Collins Corpus after a surge in mentions since February, with vibe coding edging out shortlist entries such as clanker, glaze, aura farming and broligarchy.
- Reporting highlights early workplace traction, with job listings, certifications and training now referencing the skill, including a Walmart post seeking a “vibe coder” with pay up to $220,000.
- Analysts note practical limits to AI‑generated code, citing risks such as hallucinations, hidden flaws, security vulnerabilities and challenges with complex, scalable systems.