vibes

Vibes is informal shorthand for vibrations, used to describe the perceived atmosphere, mood, or energy surrounding a person, place, or situation. The term emphasizes subjective impression rather than measurable facts, and its meaning can vary between observers.

Historically, vibe derives from the word vibration in physics and engineering. In English slang, it began to appear in mid-20th century as a metaphor for the intangible energy emitted by people or settings. In contemporary usage, "vibes" can refer to audible, visible, or felt cues that influence an impression.

Common phrases include "good vibes," "bad vibes," and "vibe with someone." A vibe may describe a momentary mood or the overall ambiance of a space, such as a cafe's cozy vibe. Because vibes are subjective, different people can perceive different impressions in the same situation.

In popular culture, "vibe" is used to signal aesthetic or emotional tone in music, fashion, and media, e.g., "the summery vibe" or "this track gives off strong holiday vibes." The term also features in social media through "vibe-check," a playful way to assess whether someone fits a social moment or whether a room feels right.

Critics note that "vibe" is imprecise and can obscure specific details, so in formal writing or professional contexts more precise language is preferred. As a cultural phenomenon, "vibes" reflect how people interpret nonverbal cues and energy, rather than a scientific measure.