Cambridge Dictionary Embraces Internet Slang with “skibidi,” “delulu,” and “tradwife”
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On August 18, 2025, the Cambridge Dictionary unveiled an expansive update, incorporating 6,212 new words, phrases, and meanings—many born out of internet and youth culture. Among the headliners are “skibidi,” “delulu,” and “tradwife.”
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Skibidi: A playful and nonsensical term originating from the animated YouTube series Skibidi Toilet. It’s defined as a word that can mean “cool,” “bad,” or serve as a humorous exclamation with no specific meaning.
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Delulu: Short for delusional, this slang is used humorously to describe someone who clings to beliefs that aren’t grounded in reality. It has its roots in fandom and social media communities.
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Tradwife: A blend of traditional and wife, this term describes a woman who embraces classic homemaker roles—cooking, cleaning, and nurturing children—often shared and popularized on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Peter aside these, other internet-born entries include “mouse jiggler” (used to mimic computer activity at work) and “forever chemical” (referring to long-lasting environmental pollutants).
Colin McIntosh, Lexical Programme Manager at Cambridge Dictionary, notes that these terms were only added after their sustained use indicated they were more than fleeting trends: “We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power.”
Beyond dictionary updates, social commentators have debated the value of including such slang. Some criticize it as a dilution of language; others praise it as a necessary reflection of linguistic evolution driven by technology and youth culture.
In all, the Cambridge Dictionary’s latest additions underscore how immersive online usage is redefining contemporary English—and how dictionaries must evolve to remain relevant.
