Cambridge Dictionary Adds ‘Skibidi,’ ‘Delulu’ Reflecting evolving Online Lexicon
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London – The Cambridge University Press announced Monday the addition of six thousand new words to its online dictionary, including terms popularized by internet culture such as “skibidi,” “delulu,” and ”tradwife.” The update, released August 18, 2025, underscores the growing influence of digital spaces on contemporary language.
The Rise of Internet-Born Words
The inclusion of thes terms highlights how quickly online trends can permeate mainstream vocabulary. “Skibidi,” originating from a viral YouTube animation titled “Skibidi Toilet,” has become a versatile slang term among the “alpha generation,” often used to express approval or simply lacking concrete meaning.
Did You Know? The “Skibidi Toilet” series is frequently enough associated with “brain rot” content, a term describing videos designed to be excessively stimulating and possibly detrimental to attention spans.
“Delulu,” a shortened form of “delusional,” describes someone overly optimistic or living in a fantasy world.australian prime Minister Anthony Albanese notably used the term, alongside “no solulu,” during a parliamentary speech in 2025, meaning “pure delusion and no solution.”
Defining Modern Trends
The dictionary also recognized ”tradwife,” a portmanteau of “traditional wife,” which reflects a growing, and often controversial, trend on platforms like Instagram and tiktok. This trend advocates for a return to traditional gender roles within marriage. The addition of these terms provides a formal linguistic acknowledgment of these cultural phenomena.
Beyond Slang: New Terms Reflecting Modern Life
The update wasn’t limited to internet slang. New entries also included “lewk,” meaning a unique and striking fashion style popularized by the reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race, and “inspo,” short for inspiration. The evolving workplace also contributed to the lexicon, with the addition of “mouse jiggler,” a device used to simulate computer activity when a user is away from their desk.
Environmental concerns are also reflected in the new additions.”Forever chemical,” or permanent chemical substance, describes artificial compounds that persist in the habitat for extended periods, drawing increased attention due to growing anxieties about climate change and its long-term effects.
New Dictionary Additions: A Snapshot
| Word | Definition | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Skibidi | A versatile slang term with varying meanings, from “cool” to meaningless. | YouTube animation “Skibidi Toilet” |
| Delulu | Overly optimistic; living in a fantasy world. | Delusional |
| Tradwife | Advocating a return to traditional gender roles in marriage. | Instagram & TikTok trends |
| Lewk | A unique and striking fashion style. | RuPaul’s Drag Race |
| Mouse Jiggler | A device to simulate computer activity. | Home office culture |
Colin McIntosh, manager of the Lexical Program at Cambridge University Press, emphasized the importance of documenting these linguistic shifts. “it’s not every day that words like skibidi and delulu are taken into the Cambridge dictionary,” he stated. “We only include words that we think are durable.Observing and documenting this influence of online culture in the dictionary is vrey interesting.”
Pro Tip: Tracking new word additions to established dictionaries like Cambridge can provide valuable insights into evolving cultural trends and shifts in communication.
What new words do you think should be added to the dictionary next? How do you see internet slang impacting formal language in the future?
The Evolving Landscape of Language
The addition of these words to the Cambridge Dictionary is part of a larger trend of linguistic evolution driven by digital culture. The internet has dramatically accelerated the pace at which new words and phrases emerge and spread. Social media platforms,in particular,serve as incubators for slang and neologisms,which can quickly gain widespread adoption.This phenomenon challenges traditional notions of linguistic authority and highlights the dynamic nature of language itself. the ongoing process of incorporating these terms into established dictionaries reflects a recognition of their cultural meaning and enduring impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is “skibidi” and where did it come from? ”Skibidi” is a slang term popularized by a YouTube animation, often used to express approval or lacking a specific meaning.
- What does “delulu” mean? “Delulu” is short for “delusional” and describes someone overly optimistic or living in a fantasy world.
- What is a “tradwife”? A “tradwife” is someone who advocates for a return to traditional gender roles within marriage.
- why are these internet terms being added to the dictionary? These terms are being added to reflect their growing cultural significance and widespread use.
- How does online culture impact language? Online culture accelerates the creation and spread of new words and phrases,influencing mainstream vocabulary.
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