The selection of yearly dictionary phrases often seems uninspiring and out of touch. Terms like “rage bait,” “parasocial,” and “vibe coding” sound like a random blend of words borrowed from a TikTok influencer, failing to truly capture the spirit of the times.
If there’s one phrase that could encapsulate the essence of this challenging year in the English language, it would likely be “Trump grovelling.” It’s a term that may have crossed your lips multiple times in 2025, expressing exasperation at the excessive admiration and submission displayed towards the former president.
Since his inauguration, tech moguls shamelessly vied for his favor, turning cabinet meetings into displays of flattery reminiscent of medieval courts. Individuals like Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff went as far as proclaiming, “Mr. President, working for you is the greatest honor of my life,” eliciting a self-satisfied grin from Trump.
The trend of obsequiousness was not limited to Americans, with figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and Fifa boss Gianni Infantino showering Trump with praise, even suggesting him for a peace prize. Notably, Nato General Secretary Mark Rutte went as far as referring to Trump as “daddy,” showcasing the extent of sycophancy prevalent among prominent figures.
Despite the year being marked by such grovelling, there is a glimmer of hope as the BBC takes a stand against Trump’s legal threats. Trump’s demand for a substantial fine over a misinterpreted edit should be met with a counter lawsuit by the BBC, challenging his attempts to distort facts and tarnish the news organization’s credibility.
Critics argue that Trump is leveraging this issue to divert attention from other pressing matters, including economic challenges. The BBC’s potential legal battle against Trump could shed light on the truth and hold him accountable for his actions during the tumultuous events of January 6.
It is essential for the BBC to stand firm and confront Trump in court, regardless of the financial implications. Taking a stand against such behavior, characterized by excessive flattery and manipulation, is crucial in upholding integrity and journalistic standards.
Mirror Columnist
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