Ever wondered what word defined your year? For many, it is hard to pick just one. Filipino satire page FTTM, however, has made the choice for us, and the result is hilarious.
On social media, FTTM revealed its Word of the Year: “Trentahin.” This playful slang refers to people in their thirties, derived from the idea of “treading” into your thirties, a decade often associated with adulting, responsibility, and subtle existential crises.
It is a tongue-in-cheek way of highlighting the quirks, challenges, and sometimes awkward transitions that come with hitting the big 3-0.
Netizens had a field day with the term. Many Filipinos in their thirties responded with a mix of laughter, groans, and “Aray ko po!” as they recognized themselves in the label.
Younger users found it equally amusing, using it to poke fun at older friends or relatives. The word clearly resonated because it captures humor and relatability. Aging can be funny, awkward, and shared all at once.
Globally, other Words of the Year also offer insight into generational and digital trends. Dictionary.com picked the Gen Alpha slang “67,” meaning “so-so” or “maybe,” reflecting nonsensical, brain-rot trends popular among Gen Alpha users.
Meanwhile, Oxford University Press selected “rage bait,” highlighting online content deliberately designed to provoke anger and spark viral arguments, reflecting a broader pattern in digital culture.
Taken together, these selections show how language evolves alongside humor, culture, and technology. While some words capture online habits and trends, “Trentahin” shows how humor can make even a serious milestone like turning 30 feel lighter and more communal.
Words are more than definitions. They are snapshots of collective experience, giving voice to what people laugh about, obsess over, and recognize in themselves.
Who knows what word will dominate 2026? One thing is certain: language will continue to reflect the quirks, frustrations, and humor of an ever-changing world.