Quick Read
- Cambridge Dictionary added 6,000 new words, including ‘skibidi,’ ‘delulu,’ and ‘tradwife.’
- Words like ‘skibidi’ reflect the influence of TikTok and internet culture.
- The dictionary uses a rigorous process, adding only words with ‘staying power.’
- New terms highlight societal trends, including remote work and environmental concerns.
The English language has always been a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving with the times. This year, the Cambridge Dictionary has captured the zeitgeist by adding 6,000 new words, many of which are deeply rooted in internet culture. Among the most notable additions are terms like ‘skibidi,’ ‘tradwife,’ and ‘delulu,’ showcasing how digital platforms like TikTok are reshaping the way we communicate.
The Power of Internet Culture on Language
One of the standout entries this year is ‘skibidi,’ a term that originated from an animated YouTube series called “Skibidi Toilet.” Pronounced SKIH-bih-dee, the word has a flexible meaning—it can signify ‘cool,’ ‘bad,’ or even serve as a nonsensical joke. Its inclusion in the dictionary reflects the growing trend of internet slang becoming mainstream. Colin McIntosh, the lexical program manager at Cambridge Dictionary, noted in an interview with KWCH that “internet culture is changing the English language, and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary.”
Another term, ‘delulu,’ short for ‘delusional,’ has also made the cut. Popularized on platforms like TikTok, it describes someone who chooses to believe things that are not real. Interestingly, as Christian Ilbury, a senior lecturer in sociolinguistics at the University of Edinburgh, explained to Entrepreneur, ‘delulu’ has been used in various speech communities long before its rise on social media. “It’s really just the increase in visibility and potential uptake amongst communities who may not have engaged with those words before,” he said.
Reflecting Social Trends Through Words
The dictionary’s additions also mirror broader societal trends. The term ‘tradwife,’ a contraction of ‘traditional wife,’ refers to a married woman who embraces traditional domestic roles like cooking and cleaning, often while sharing her lifestyle on social media. This word sheds light on the evolving discourse around gender roles and family dynamics in the digital age.
Other entries include ‘mouse jiggler,’ a term born out of the pandemic-driven shift to remote work. It describes a device or software designed to keep a computer active, giving the illusion of productivity. Meanwhile, ‘forever chemical’ has been added to highlight environmental concerns, referring to harmful substances that persist in the environment for extended periods.
A Rigorous Selection Process
The Cambridge Dictionary employs a meticulous process to determine which words make it into its pages. Using the Cambridge English Corpus, a database containing over 2 billion words of written and spoken English, the team monitors how new terms are used across different contexts and communities. McIntosh emphasized to Today that only words with “staying power” are added, ensuring that the dictionary remains a reliable record of contemporary language.
Christian Ilbury further elaborated on the role of dictionaries in modern linguistics: “If you look at what a dictionary’s function is, it’s a public record of how people use language. If people are now using words like ‘skibidi’ or ‘delulu,’ then the dictionary should take account of that.” This philosophy underscores the importance of documenting linguistic evolution as it happens.
Historical Context and the Future of Language
The Cambridge Dictionary’s origins date back to 1534, when Cambridge University Press became the world’s first publishing house under a patent from King Henry VIII. Fast forward to 2025, and the dictionary is now a digital powerhouse, capturing the pulse of modern language. As McIntosh aptly put it, “It’s not every day you get to see words like ‘skibidi’ and ‘delulu’ make their way into the Cambridge Dictionary.”
This latest update serves as a reminder that language is not static but a reflection of the world around us. Whether influenced by social media, cultural shifts, or technological advancements, the words we use today tell a story about who we are and how we communicate.
As the English language continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: dictionaries like Cambridge will always be there to document and celebrate its ever-changing nature.