The Cambridge Dictionary has announced the addition of over 6,000 new words and phrases this year, reflecting the growing influence of online culture on everyday language.
Among the latest entries are popular Gen Z and Gen Alpha terms such as “skibidi”—a nonsense word popularized by the viral YouTube series Skibidi Toilet; “delulu,” short for delusional; and “tradwife,” a term used on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to describe women embracing traditional gender roles.
Other notable inclusions include “lewk” (a distinctive fashion style), “inspo” (short for inspiration), and “mouse jiggler,” referring to someone faking productivity while working remotely. The dictionary has also introduced terms linked to global issues, such as “forever chemicals,” which describes persistent man-made substances with long-lasting environmental effects.
Colin McIntosh, Lexical Programme Manager at the Cambridge Dictionary, noted that while unusual, the inclusion of terms like “skibidi” and “delulu” highlights the shifting dynamics of language in the digital age.
“We only add words where we believe they’ll have staying power,” he said. “Internet culture is reshaping the English language, and it is fascinating to document these changes.”
