The Cambridge Dictionary has updated its online edition with over 6,000 new entries, including popular TikTok terms like “skibidi,” “delulu,” and “tradwife.” These additions reflect the evolving nature of the English language, influenced by internet culture and social media trends. According to Colin McIntosh, Lexical Programme Manager at Cambridge Dictionary, “Internet culture is changing the English language, and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary”.
The term “skibidi” originated from a surreal YouTube animation series called “Skibidi Toilet,” featuring human heads popping out of toilets. Cambridge Dictionary defines “skibidi” as a word with multiple meanings, such as “cool” or “bad,” or used without real meaning as a joke. Meanwhile, “delulu” is derived from “delusional” and refers to believing things that aren’t real or true, often by choice. These terms have become integral to online discourse, particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
The dictionary’s update also includes terms like “tradwife,” short for traditional wife, which reflects a growing trend on Instagram and TikTok where women embrace traditional gender roles. Other additions include “mouse jiggler,” a device or software used to simulate work activity, and “forever chemical,” referring to man-made chemicals that persist in the environment for years. These new entries demonstrate the dictionary’s efforts to capture the dynamic nature of language
Cambridge Dictionary only adds words that are likely to have staying power, ensuring that their lexicon remains relevant and reflective of contemporary culture. With over 2 billion words in their database, the dictionary’s editors carefully curate new entries to represent the ever-changing landscape of the English language. As McIntosh notes, “It’s not every day you get to see words like ‘skibidi’ and ‘delulu’ make their way into the Cambridge Dictionary”.
The inclusion of these terms highlights the significant impact of social media and internet culture on language. As online trends continue to shape the way we communicate, dictionaries like Cambridge’s play a crucial role in documenting and defining these changes. By embracing Gen Z slang and other modern expressions, the Cambridge Dictionary provides a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of contemporary language
