‘Szponcić’ crowned Poland’s Youth Word of the Year 2025

For the expats living in Poland, mastering the local language is often a journey through complex grammar and the subtle nuances of intonation. However, to truly understand the pulse of the country, one must look toward the linguistic innovators: the youth. To help bridge the gap and understand what the younger generation is talking about, a group of academic "youngsters" established an annual competition to crown the youth word of the year.

From the underground to the mainstream

Organized annually by the PWN Scientific Publishers, the Youth Word of the Year plebiscite has evolved from a linguistic curiosity into a major cultural event that tracks the evolution of the Polish language. The competition, overseen by a jury of prominent linguists, invites the public to submit and vote on terms that define the contemporary experience of the younger generation. For international observers, the results serve as an authoritative barometer of the social trends and digital influences shaping Poland’s cultural landscape.

Unlike previous winners that often relied on English loanwords (such as cringe or rel), "szponcić" [pronounced: shpon-cheetch] represents a linguistic "revival." Etymologically, it is a "zombie word" resurrected from old urban dialects and grypsera (prison slang).

In its original context, it carried a gritty, almost illicit weight — referring to plotting or deception. In 2025, however, the younger generation has repurposed it. It has been sanitized and reimagined as a term for creative maneuvering, "hustling," or organizing something slightly chaotic yet ambitious.

The definitions: "szponcić" & "szpont"

To help you navigate your next social interaction or understand the chatter in a Warsaw coffee house, here is the professional briefing:

• szponcić [pronounced: shpon-cheetch] (verb): To scheme, to "wheel and deal," or to combine elements to achieve a goal — often through unconventional means. It describes the act of "making things happen" against the odds.
• szpont [pronounced: shpont] (noun): The act itself, a specific scheme, or the resulting state of creative chaos. It can refer to a clever trick, a risky plan, or a confusing situation.

So, If a colleague is trying to bypass a bureaucratic hurdle using a series of complex "shortcuts," they are effectively szponcing.

A glimpse into the digital lexicon

The 2025 podium also featured terms that highlight the influence of digital brevity on the Polish language:

• "6 7": this abstract numeric idiom and worldwide phenomenon took second place. It is used to signal indifference Some believe that, in most cases, it means 'average', 'neither good nor bad', 'nothing to write home about', or 'either this or that'. In other words, it generally means indecision.
• "OKPA": A portmanteau of "OK" and "pa" (bye). While efficient, it carries a dismissive undertone. In a professional context, receiving an "OKPA" suggests the conversation has ended — whether you were finished or not.

Why this matters?

The rise of "szponcić" suggests a return to "retro" linguistic roots. It reflects a generation that values agility, cleverness, and the ability to navigate a complex world.

For the expat community, using these terms — or at least recognizing them — demonstrates a level of cultural integration that goes beyond the textbook. It shows an appreciation for the "hustle" that often defines the vibrant, fast-paced life in Poland’s major hubs.

So, the next time you find yourself navigating a particularly complex logistical challenge in Poland, remember: you aren't just dealing with a problem. You are part of a szpont.