The annual selection of trendy dictionary phrases often seems lackluster and out of touch. Recent additions like “rage bait,” “parasocial,” and “vibe coding” sound like a mishmash of trendy jargon rather than capturing the true spirit of the times.
If a phrase should encapsulate this challenging year in the English language, it must be “Trump grovelling.” These words likely resonated with many individuals in 2025 as they endured relentless displays of sycophancy towards the former president.
Since his inauguration, tech moguls shamelessly vied for favor, transforming cabinet meetings into grand displays of flattery reminiscent of medieval courts. The level of adulation reached absurd heights, with individuals like Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff proclaiming, “Working for you is the greatest honor of my life” to a smirking President.
International figures also joined the chorus of praise, with Benjamin Netanyahu thanking Trump for military actions and a FIFA official proposing a peace prize for him. Even NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and UK’s Keir Starmer resorted to fawning gestures, illustrating the extent of subservience to Trump.
Despite the wave of obsequiousness, a glimmer of hope emerged as the year neared its end, courtesy of the BBC. In response to Trump’s lawsuit demanding a hefty sum for alleged damages, the BBC should counter with its own legal action, highlighting Trump’s falsehoods and protecting its integrity against baseless accusations.
Critics speculate that Trump’s attack on the BBC serves as a distraction from other pressing issues, such as the Epstein scandal and economic challenges. The BBC should stand firm, pushing for accountability and seeking justice through legal means to combat the culture of excessive deference to Trump.
It is time for the BBC to assert itself, challenge Trump in court, and uphold journalistic integrity. If necessary, a crowdfunding campaign could support the legal battle, signaling a stance against unwarranted subservience to authority.
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