Today : Aug 25, 2025
Arts & Culture
18 August 2025

Skibidi And Delulu Join Cambridge Dictionary Update

Cambridge Dictionary adds 6,000 new words, including viral social media slang and terms reflecting digital culture and generational shifts.

On August 18, 2025, the Cambridge Dictionary made headlines by officially welcoming a wave of new slang and social media-driven words into its online edition, a move that reflects the ever-shifting landscape of English in the digital age. Among the 6,000 new entries are terms that might make your grandparents blink in confusion—or maybe even you, if you haven’t kept up with Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s linguistic experiments. Words like "skibidi," "delulu," "tradwife," and "broligarchy" have all found a home in one of the world’s most respected dictionaries, signaling a new chapter in the ongoing story of how the internet is reshaping language itself, according to Cambridge University Press and coverage by Inquirer.net and The Indian Express.

So, what exactly do these new entries mean, and what does their inclusion say about the times we live in? Let’s start with "skibidi," perhaps the most baffling of the bunch. Born from the surreal, viral YouTube series "Skibidi Toilet"—which features dancing toilets with human heads and has captivated millions of Gen Alpha viewers—this word is as slippery as they come. The Cambridge Dictionary defines "skibidi" as "a word that can have different meanings, such as ‘cool’ or ‘bad’, or can be used with no real meaning as a joke." In other words, it’s a linguistic chameleon, thriving on chaos and ambiguity. As The Indian Express puts it, "It’s chaotic, absurd, and confusing to adults, which is exactly why Gen Alpha loves it." US writer and artist Lee Escobedo was quoted in The Guardian describing "skibidi brainrot" as encapsulating "a generation fluent in irony but starved for meaning. Their minds normalise prank-as-expression." It’s a word that might make zero sense to outsiders, but that’s precisely the point for those in the know.

Next up is "tradwife," short for "traditional wife," a term that’s been making the rounds on Instagram and TikTok since at least 2020. The Cambridge Dictionary now defines a tradwife as "a woman who chooses to live a traditional lifestyle, especially one who posts on social media." Picture vintage dresses, sourdough starters, and viral videos about homemaking. The trend, as Inquirer.net notes, is controversial: supporters claim it’s about choice and empowerment, while critics argue it glamorizes outdated gender roles. Google Nara Smith, and you’ll find a visual representation of the tradwife phenomenon. Whether you see it as a nostalgic throwback or a problematic step backward, the term is now officially baked into the lexicon—sourdough and all.

Then there’s "delulu," a playful abbreviation of "delusional" that’s taken on a life of its own. Originally coined over a decade ago to poke fun at obsessed K-pop fans who believed they could marry their idols, "delulu" has evolved into a viral affirmation. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as "believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to." On TikTok and beyond, "delulu is the solulu" (translation: delusion is the solution) has become a mantra for manifesting your dreams, no matter how improbable. It’s even made its way into the political arena: earlier this year, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused his rivals of being "delulu with no solulu," as cited by Inquirer.net and The Indian Express. The phrase has shifted from a joke among fans to a rallying cry for wishful thinking and positive self-affirmation—a testament to how digital culture can transform the meaning and power of a word.

Not to be left out, "broligarchy" has also joined the ranks of official English. This tongue-in-cheek mash-up of "bro" and "oligarchy" refers to the powerful, mostly male tech leaders who control the platforms where so much of today’s slang is born. As The Indian Express notes, it’s a subtle jab at the "tech bros running the show," highlighting the influence of Silicon Valley on both culture and language. While you might not hear "broligarchy" in everyday conversation just yet, its inclusion signals a broader awareness of who’s actually shaping the digital world—and, by extension, the way we speak.

Other new entries in this year’s update reflect the rapidly changing realities of work, fashion, and even environmental concerns. "Lewk," popularized by RuPaul’s Drag Race, describes a unique fashion look that stands out from the crowd. "Inspo," short for inspiration, continues the trend of condensing language for speed and style. The "mouse jiggler"—a device or software that keeps your computer active to make it look like you’re working—speaks to the new realities of remote work and digital surveillance. And "forever chemical," referring to man-made substances that persist in the environment for years, highlights growing concerns about the irreversible impact of pollution and climate change on both human health and the planet, as detailed by Inquirer.net.

Colin McIntosh, Lexical Programme Manager at Cambridge Dictionary, explained the rationale behind these additions in both Inquirer.net and The Indian Express: "It’s not every day you get to see words like skibidi and delulu make their way into the Cambridge Dictionary. We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power. Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the Dictionary." In other words, these aren’t just fleeting fads—they’re linguistic markers of a society in flux, shaped by the whims and creativity of millions of online users.

So why now? According to McIntosh, the answer is simple: widespread usage. "If people are saying it enough—especially online—it counts." The rise of TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram as cultural powerhouses has accelerated the pace at which new words are coined, spread, and adopted. What might have once been dismissed as nonsense or inside jokes now carries enough weight to merit official recognition. The dictionary’s willingness to embrace these terms is both a nod to the democratizing power of the internet and a recognition that language is, at its core, a living, breathing thing.

Of course, not everyone is thrilled about these developments. For some, the influx of playful, sometimes meaningless words signals a decline in linguistic standards or a loss of seriousness. For others, it’s an exciting sign of creativity and inclusivity—a way for young people to carve out their own space in the world. The debates surrounding terms like "tradwife" and "delulu" reflect broader tensions about gender roles, mental health, and the power of belief in an uncertain world. Even "skibidi," for all its absurdity, raises questions about what counts as meaningful communication in an age of memes and viral videos.

In the end, the Cambridge Dictionary’s latest update is more than just a list of new words—it’s a snapshot of a culture in motion. Whether you’re rolling your eyes at "skibidi" or finding inspiration in "delulu," one thing’s for sure: the English language isn’t standing still, and neither are we.