“Goonen” or “Gooning” is up for selection as the youth word of 2025. The term originally describes an excessive practice of masturbation. In a broader sense, however, it is also used in an ironic context.
Goonen: What it means
Every year, Langenscheidt Publishing selects the “youth word of the year,” highlighting current trends in youth language. “Goonen” or ‘gooning’ is a term that is particularly popular among young people and is in the running for the 2025 youth word.
- “Goon” is an English word and a derogatory term for a clumsy or stupid person. In youth language, however, “goonen” has a different connotation, which is central to youth slang in 2025 and stands for intense masturbation.
- The word has long been used in the erotic subculture to describe an excessive sexual practice: The trance-like, hours-long immersion in masturbation, usually in connection with porn consumption. It lasts for hours, sometimes even days. The goal is a state of trance, a complete loss of self in sexual images, sounds, and sensations.
- Unlike “edging,” which involves delaying orgasm for a more intense experience, ‘gooning’ refers to an almost “intoxicating” isolation from reality and immersion in sensory overload.
- This sexual trend can be a problematic, potentially addictive behavior. Gooning can be a sign of excessive porn consumption, pornography addiction, and conspicuous sexual habits. Instead of healthy sexuality, it can lead to one-sided patterns of overstimulation in which closeness, partnership, and genuine intimacy take a back seat.
- Many young people also use “gooning” in a different, ironic context to describe exaggerated behavior or “losing oneself” in something. It is also used as a synonym for ‘masturbating’ or “onaniere.”
Risks and consequences of “gooning”
As fascinating as the term may sound to some, excessive “gooning” carries serious risks. The intense focus on sexuality and the constant dopamine rush in particular can have consequences that can be felt both physically and socially.
- Dopamine overstimulation: Excessive porn consumption can put a strain on the brain’s reward system. Repeated dopamine release causes the body to become accustomed to the stimuli, leading some people to seek out more frequent or more extreme content. Experts refer to such cases as problematic use, which can develop into addictive behavior.
- Unhealthy relationship with sexuality: In addition to dopamine addiction, experts and Langenscheidt Publishing itself warn against the development of an unhealthy relationship with sexuality. One possible consequence could be sex addiction.
- Distorted reality: The trance-like focus can cause real needs such as sleep, nutrition, or genuine intimacy to take a back seat. Those affected can easily lose touch with everyday routines as a result.
- Loss of social contacts: People who spend a lot of time gaming often withdraw from social life. Friendships, relationships, or hobbies can be neglected, leading to isolation in the long term.
- Mental stress: In addition to feelings of guilt or shame, those affected also report declining motivation and listlessness. Instead of relaxation, a cycle of pressure, self-doubt, and further consumption develops over time.
Examples from the everyday language of young people
The term “goonen” shows how flexible youth language can be: between an ironic hype word in online communities and an originally clearly sexualized, serious meaning. Context is crucial for readers to understand the term correctly – and responsible use of language is recommended.
- Original meaning (serious): “Gooning” refers to excessive sexual practices with possible risks such as dopamine overstimulation, escapism, and social withdrawal.
- Everyday/online usage (ironic): In fandom, gaming, or memes, “gooning” often means getting overly hyped or losing oneself in something.
- Platform-specific (TikTok/Shorts): Reaction clips and comment sections use “am goonen” to refer to collective excitement/over-enthusiasm.
- Important: The primary meaning remains sexual, and casual use is context-dependent. It is important to be aware that unreflective, ironic use can trivialize the practice, normalize problematic content, and obscure risks.
Language change, youth culture, and responsibility
Youth language is dynamic and thrives on creativity, provocation, and constant reinvention. Terms such as “goonen” illustrate how quickly words from niche cultures enter the mainstream and take on new meanings there. Positive aspects of language development are thus confronted with the need for conscious use.
- Creativity and group affiliation: Young people use new terms playfully to express themselves, distinguish themselves from one another, and create a sense of community.
- Change in meaning: “Gooning” shows how a term that was originally clearly defined can be transferred to other contexts—for example, as an ironic expression for exaggeration or “losing oneself.”
- Original seriousness: At the same time, “goonen” still stands for excessive sexual practices that involve risks. This dimension must not be ignored.
- Relevance to youth culture: As a striking, provocative word, “goonen” is particularly suitable for social media to attract attention and shape trends.
- Responsible use: Creative use is a sign of linguistic dynamism, but should always be considered carefully. This is the only way to avoid misunderstandings and not trivialize problematic content.
