In 2025, the Spanish-speaking world unexpectedly united around a single term—“arancel.” This word, meaning import duty, burst into everyday conversation and became the symbol of the year. Its popularity was driven not only by economic developments but also by how it reflected shifts in international politics and public sentiment.
In recent months, “arancel” has been featured in news reports, discussed on social media, and even become the subject of jokes. The reason: the sharp escalation of trade conflicts between the world’s largest economies. In Spain, as in many other countries, this word became an indicator of the sweeping changes that have affected everyone.
Economy and politics
In 2025, economic news seldom appeared without mention of “arancel.” Trade wars, new border barriers, renegotiated agreements—all this made tariffs the top story. This was especially evident amid high-profile statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who tirelessly repeated that “arancel” was his main tool in defending the country’s interests.
The influence of American policy quickly spread worldwide. European nations, including Spain, were forced to adapt to the new rules of the game. As a result, “arancel” became not just an economic term, but a true symbol of the era. It was discussed not only by experts, but also by ordinary people, as changes in trade relations directly impacted consumer prices and everyday life.
Language and society
The choice of ‘arensel’ as the word of the year is no coincidence. Over the past twelve months, it has become part of everyday conversations, moving beyond professional jargon and entering popular culture. Even those previously uninterested in economics now know what a tariff is and how it affects their wallets.
Linguists note that such phenomena are rare. Usually, words related to technology or social change come into the spotlight. This time is different: economic vocabulary has taken center stage, and ‘arensel’ has become a reflection of society’s anxieties and hopes.
Historical roots
Interestingly, the word itself has deep historical roots. It entered the Spanish language from Arabic, where it meant ‘unloading goods.’ Over time, its meaning narrowed, and now ‘arensel’ is associated exclusively with foreign trade and customs. In 2025, this linguistic legacy is once again relevant, reminding us how language responds to the challenges of the times.
Other contenders for word of the year included terms related to artificial intelligence, ecology, and migration. Yet it was ‘arensel’ that most vividly captured the changes the world is experiencing. Its widespread use has become a reflection of a society where economic issues have taken center stage.
Impact on everyday life
The impact of ‘arencel’ is felt not only in the news, but also in everyday life. Rising prices for imported goods, new business regulations, and debates over trade agreements have all become part of daily reality for millions. Spaniards are discussing how their expenses have changed and trying to understand what lies ahead.
Against this backdrop, the choice of the word of the year seems especially symbolic. It highlights that language does more than just reflect events—it helps people make sense of them. ‘Arencel’ has become not only an economic term, but also a marker of a new era, in which global processes directly affect everyone’s life.
