OpenClaw creator says 'vibe coding' has become a slur (www.businessinsider.com)

Peter Steinberger, the creator of OpenClaw, has labeled the term "vibe coding" as a "slur" during an appearance on OpenAI's podcast. He argues that this term trivializes the skill required to effectively use AI code editors like OpenAI's Codex, comparing it to the nuanced learning process of playing the guitar. Despite the increasing popularity of vibe coding—an approach that gained significant traction in 2025 and was even named Collins Dictionary's word of the year—Steinberger believes it undermines the expertise necessary for generating quality code, stating that "most code is boring" and affirming his understanding of AI-generated outputs. Steinberger's comments resonate within the AI/ML community, especially as industry leaders like Andrew Ng have also criticized the term for its misleading implications. He advocates for a recognition of the complexity and craftsmanship involved in what he proposes could be termed "agentic engineering"—a more accurate descriptor for the evolving landscape of AI-assisted programming. His journey from managing software teams to adeptly shipping AI-generated code underscores a significant shift in coding paradigms, challenging entrenched notions of software development as he transitions into his new role at OpenAI.