We know the Youth Word of the Year 2025! What does it mean to claw?

‘Claw’ a hit with young people! What does it mean and why did it win the Youth Word of the Year 2025 poll?

We’ve got it! The Youth Word of the Year 2025 has been announced and – as every year – is generating huge excitement. The winner was the word ‘spponcić’, and with it its noun form ‘spont’. Although it sounds mysterious at first glance, internet users loved it for its ambiguity, flexibility and modern vibe. What does “spont” mean? Where does it come from and how is it used? Here’s everything you need to know about this trending word that will dominate the internet in December 2025.

What does ‘claw’ mean? The meaning of the word that has conquered youth slang

The word ‘claw’ has several meanings – its meaning depends primarily on the context and the intonation of the speaker. It is this ambiguity that makes young people so keen to use it in online and offline conversations.

To claw – basic meanings

• Negative meaning:

“To claw” can mean to scheme, to be sneaky, to do something suspicious or inappropriate. It is a kind of commentary on a situation where someone is trying to “twist something on the side.”

• Positive meaning:

In another context, to “claw” is simply to organise something creative, crazy, out of the ordinary. It can mean partying, flirting, or planning something original.

• Neutral meaning:

It also happens that ‘to claw’ simply means ‘to act intensely, to embrace, to combine with meaning’ – it is a word that is alive and adapts seamlessly to the user.

Where did the word ‘claw’ come from? History and origin

Although it sounds like a modern neologism, “szponcić” has its roots in Polish urban slang and even criminal jargon. In the old days, “szpont” was synonymous with a trick, scam or shady business, while “szponcić” meant to combine or confuse. The word functioned to a limited extent – mainly in local dialects. It was not until the youth of 2025 that it was reactivated in a new context – giving it not only a new meaning, but also a fresh style and linguistic function.

Why is it that ‘claw’ won out? Analysis of a linguistic phenomenon

In a poll organised by PWN Scientific Publishers, ‘claw’ came ahead of words such as ’67’, ‘class’, ‘lowkey’, ‘skibidi’ and ‘goat’.

Reasons for the popularity of “claw”

• Universality – works well in both negative and positive contexts.
• Creativity – the word sounds original but also “familiar”.
• Playfulness of language – the form “szponcić” sounds fun, dynamic, easy on the ear and conjugate.
• Social vibe – ideally reflects the attitude of young people to life: a little irony, a little levity, a little combination.

How do you use the word “claw”?

Here are some examples that show how versatile the word is:

• “I don’t know what he’s clawing at, but I think he’s spinning something.” (meaning: cunning, up to something suspicious)
• “Come over tonight, we’ll claw!” (meaning: party, do something crazy)
• ‘Some spontaneity at the university again – nothing works’. (meaning: confusion, mess, chaos)