“Ragebait” named Germany’s 2026 Youth Word of the Year

“Ragebait” has been named Germany’s 2026 Youth Word of the Year.

The term describes content made to provoke anger or outrage, especially on social media.

Heated reactions can bring comments, shares and other engagement, which may lead platforms to show the content to more people.

About one million people aged 11 to 20 took part in the vote.

“Ragebait” won with 36.5% of the vote, ahead of “Peak” at 33.8% and “Crashout” at 29.7%.

“Peak” means something is among the best, while “crashout” describes losing control of one’s emotions.

The annual word is chosen through a youth vote run by publisher PONS Langenscheidt; nominations for the 2027 choice are due to begin in summer 2027.