It is the last month of 2025 and a time of deep introspection. As everything winds down and the year comes to a close, it is time to look back at how we spent the year online and how we searched for things. Thankfully, Google just released the top trends for its annual ‘Year in Search’ and this makes it a lot easier to recollect the year that was 2025.
Among the various categories, ‘Meaning’ stood out for the unique entries that made their way onto the list. Indians looked up some interesting terms and phrases this year and attempted to decipher them with the help of the search engine. Now, it is time for a deeper dive into the meanings and contexts behind each one.
Ceasefire
What it means: According to the Oxford dictionary, ceasefire means, “a time when enemies agree to stop fighting, usually while a way is found to end the fighting permanently.”
What the context was: Searches for the word surged in May during a tense military stand off between India and Pakistan and ongoing border discussions which eventually culminated in a ceasefire agreed upon by both countries. It was also searched in the global context of the Israel-Palestine conflict and diplomatic attempts at peace.
Mock Drill
What it means: A practice exercise that simulates a real-life emergency situation, like a fire or a bomb threat, to test and improve people’s response and preparedness.
What the context was: Connected to the previous term, Mock Drill was heavily searched during the Indo-Pak conflict as the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs ordered nationwide civil defence mock drills. Blackouts and air-raid sounds were carried out across 244 districts in the country to test its preparedness in a war-like scenario.
Mayday
What it means: An international radio signal used by ships and aircraft needing help when they are in danger.
What the context was: While there isn’t a specific major event that caused searches for May Day to surge, the term saw general interest in it as a part of vocabulary searches according to Google.
Pookie
What it means: A term of endearment used for a loved one, especially to denote their cuteness. Words with similar connotations include Darling, Sweetheart and Honey.
What the context was: The word pookie went viral this year across social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and X. The term was popularised by Indian-Canadian content creator Prayag Mishra when he used the word to refer to himself and his fans.
5201314
What it means: 5201314 is a Chinese numerical slang which in Mandarin means ‘I love you for a lifetime’ when the numbers are said together. “520” (wǔ’èr líng) sounds similar to “I love you” (wǒ ài nǐ) and “1314” means “for a lifetime”. Thus, the full sequence means “I love you for a lifetime.”
What the context was: This term was trending in India on May 20 which is the unofficial Valentine’s Day in China. It became popularized in India across social media platforms as a unique and secret way to say I love you.
Stampede
What it means: A situation in which a group of people or large animals such as horses suddenly start running in the same direction, especially because they are frightened or excited.
What the context was: Searches for the word’s meaning trended at multiple times throughout the year as several fatal incidents took place in the country this year. The Kumbh Mela stampede, a stampede in a temple in Andhra Pradesh and the RCB victory celebration in Bengaluru are a few examples from 2025.
Ee Sala Cup Namde
What it means: A phrase in the Kannada language, it means, “This time, the cup is ours.” It is the famous chant of IPL cricket team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
What the context was: The phrase blew up as fans of the team hoped for an IPL victory, trending nationwide during the season’s most intense moments.
Nonce
What it means: In computing, a “nonce” is a one-time cryptographic value used to prevent replay attacks, while in UK slang it’s a highly derogatory term for a sex offender.
What the context was: The technical meaning likely trended as blockchain, crypto, and AI security discussions grew in India, while broader searches suggest the word was being used in varied contexts – possibly due to a controversial news event or increased tech chatter.
Latent
What it means: Latent means existing but not yet visible, active, or developed.
What the context was: This term trended because people in India were increasingly talking about how smart AI had become in 2025. As news and tech discussions questioned whether AI could grasp subtle things like sarcasm, irony, or hidden meanings, the word “latent” naturally became more popular.
Incel
What it means: Incel is short for “involuntary celibate.” It refers to a person – typically a man – who feels unable to find romantic or sexual partners despite wanting them.
What the context was: While no specific events were highlighted in the search snippets, the term’s appearance in the top trending list suggests growing public discussion and concern around online subcultures in India.
