Cambridge Dictionary has added over six thousand new words this year, including popular internet slang like “Skibidi,” “Tradwife,” and “Delulu.” Experts say that internet culture is strongly influencing and changing the English language.
Internet Words Entering the Dictionary
This year, thousands of new words have been included in the Cambridge Dictionary. Many of these are slang words that became popular on social media platforms. Among the most notable additions are “Skibidi”, “Tradwife”, and “Delulu.” According to a BBC report, these words reflect how online culture is shaping everyday English.
Expert Opinion on Language Change
Cambridge Dictionary’s Lexical Program Manager, Colin McIntosh, explained how internet culture is having a powerful impact on language.
Colin McIntosh said, “Internet culture is changing the English language, and it is fascinating to observe and include these changes in the dictionary.”
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The Viral Word ‘Skibidi’
One of the most unique additions is “Skibidi”, a meaningless or random word that became famous through the viral YouTube animated series Skibidi Toilet. In this series, people’s heads appear from toilets in bizarre and funny animations.
The dictionary defines Skibidi as a flexible word that can mean “cool”, “bad”, or even nothing at all—simply used for fun.
Example: “What the skibidi are you doing?”
Even celebrities became interested in this trend. Reality star Kim Kardashian posted a video on Instagram wearing a necklace with “Skibidi Toilet” written on it, directly referencing the viral YouTube series.
The Meaning of ‘Tradwife’
Another popular word is “Tradwife,” short for Traditional Wife. This describes a married woman who takes care of cooking, cleaning, and other traditional homemaking tasks while often sharing her lifestyle on social media.
The Rise of ‘Delulu’
The word “Delulu” is a playful form of Delusion. It refers to a person who believes in something unrealistic, often by choice. For example, fans might be called “delulu” if they strongly believe their favorite celebrity secretly loves them.
New Words Linked to Remote Work
After the pandemic, remote work became more common, and this created new workplace-related slang. For example:
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“Mouse Jiggler” – A device or software that moves the computer mouse automatically, so it looks like you are working, even if you are not.
Words Reflecting Power and Wealth
Another new addition is “Broligarchy,” a combination of “Bro” and “Oligarchy.” It describes a small group of wealthy and powerful men, especially in the tech industry, who influence politics.
This word was even used in January to describe tech leaders like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg attending Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Source: TBS
