NO AI-DEA: THE QUESTIONS BRITS ARE SECRETLY GOOGLING TO AVOID LOOKING CLUELESS

New search data has revealed what Brits are really up to behind closed doors – furiously Googling things they probably should already know.  

According to analysis by Paddy Power Bingo, the most searched “What is…?” question in July was “What is AI?” – racking up a whopping 391,167 searches in just 30 days.

Despite AI being plastered across news headlines, job specs and tech panels, it seems most Brits are still nodding along in meetings pretending they get it and praying no one asks them to explain ChatGPT at the same time. 

But it’s not just the rise of the robots confusing the nation. Brits are also desperately asking “What is matcha?”, “What is GDP?”, and even “What is national insurance?”. Nice to know people understand how a payslip works. 

From TikTok trends to tax terminology, the UK is clearly struggling to keep up. While we might pretend to be fluent in all things modern and relevant, people’s search history paints a slightly more panicked picture. 

Top five UK “What is…?” searches in July 2025 

Other trending terms include “What is kimchi?” (11,878 searches), “What is padel?” (23,692), and “What is Dubai chocolate?” (16,618), proving that TikTok and social media are having an even bigger effect on our day-to-day lives than thought, as well as confusing all of those not in the know. 

Paddy Power, spokesperson for Paddy Power Bingo, said: ““It’s official – Brits like to talk the walk, but our research shows that they clearly don’t walk the walk. You’ve got to admire the confidence of the nation, confidently nodding along while frantically Googling ‘What is ChatGPT?’. 

“From matcha to GDP – the great British public are clearly bluffing their way through modern life, one panicked search at a time. Whether its figuring out what’s on your pay slip or understanding trends, Brits are all in the same confused boat – desperately trying to stay relevant while being steamrolled by AI and green tea.”