As the new Youth Word of the Year is about to be announced, there will likely be a few puzzled faces—and perhaps a familiar kitchen-table exchange: “Do you get it?” “Yeah, that’s crazy.” Both phrases have become part of the everyday vernacular of teens and have secured spots in the top three for the Youth Word of the Year. Also making the final round is the term “goonen,” borrowed from English, Langenscheidt Verlag in Stuttgart announced.
“Goonen” is an English‑loaned slang term used to describe hours‑long masturbation and an extreme porn habit. The term also points to ongoing sexual stimulation without a climax.
“For us, sexual terms belong in youth slang too,” emphasizes the Langenscheidt panel—and it also issues a caution: “Long sessions of masturbation can fuel a dopamine addiction and lead to an unhealthy relationship with one’s own sexuality.”
Origin of “goonen”
The English verb “to goon” originally comes from the noun “goon,” meaning a fool or a numbskull. In the 20th century, “to goon out” described sitting stupidly, appearing dazed. The word “Goonen,” in its current sense—often written as “gooning”—appeared to emerge after the turn of the millennium, first in niche online forums. It gained broader traction in the 2010s as Reddit subreddits grew and pro‑gooning communities formed. Since then, the term has become established on the English‑speaking internet, but it remains mostly confined to that scene; in general English usage, it’s uncommon—just as it has been in German so far.
The other two top‑three words are likely more familiar to older readers: “Checkst du,” meaning “not hard to understand.” This term is often used at the end of a sentence to make sure the other person really gets what’s being said. “I’ll explain it to you one more time, do you get it?”
The third term in this trio is “Das crazy.” The all‑purpose phrase is used when you’re speechless or don’t feel like giving a real answer. It’s comparable to saying “That’s crazy” or simply “Okay.” Example: “He actually proposed to her in front of the whole class! That’s crazy.”
From “Gammelfleischparty” to “Aura”
The annual contest for the “Youth Word of the Year” has been running since 2008. Back then, “Gammelfleischparty” was chosen as a playful label for an over‑30 party. It was followed by “hartzen” in 2009 for doing nothing and “Niveaulimbo” in 2010 for bland conversations.
In the years that followed, other terms rose to the top, including “Swag” (coolness), “Yolo” (“You only live once”) and “Babo” (boss). Another winner: “Smombie” — a blend of “Smartphone” and “Zombie,” describing the way many people on the street are absorbed by their phones.
In 2021, the word “Cringe” won—a term for cringe-worthy moments that has existed in English for decades. Last year, the jury selected “Aura” to highlight the aura or vibe of a person.
Final in Frankfurt
“The Youth Word shows how language can work: teenagers use the terms intuitively, while adults stumble over them—and family conversations begin,” says Patricia Kunth, who oversees the Youth Word of the Year program at Langenscheidt. Some terms disappear after a short time, while others endure because they sound good and can be used effectively.
With the disclosure of the top three terms, the online vote enters its final round. The official announcement of Youth Word of the Year 2025 will take place on October 18 at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
