In a significant update reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary language, the Cambridge Dictionary has formally embraced several terms popularized by online communities, including “skibidi” and “delulu”. This inclusion highlights the dictionary's ongoing efforts to document the ever-evolving vocabulary shaped by internet culture and modern social trends. The move recognizes how quickly digital platforms introduce and spread new expressions, blurring the lines between informal online chatter and established linguistic usage.
The term “skibidi,” initially gaining traction through the viral YouTube series Skibidi Toilet, has been formally defined by the dictionary. Its interpretation acknowledges a spectrum of meanings, ranging from expressions of approval or disapproval to instances where it carries no literal meaning, serving purely as a humorous interjection. Colin McIntosh, the Lexical Programme Manager at Cambridge Dictionary, emphasized that such additions are crucial for capturing the shifting communication patterns both online and offline. This demonstrates a proactive approach to lexicography, keeping pace with how language is actually used by its speakers.
Similarly, “delulu,” a truncation of “delusional,” has found its place in the dictionary, denoting the act of willingly embracing untrue beliefs. This term has seen widespread use across major social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), often employed in contexts that are both comedic and self-aware. The integration of “skibidi” and “delulu” are just two examples among more than six thousand new words and phrases added this year. Other notable inclusions that underscore the impact of social media and current cultural shifts are terms like “tradwife,” “red flag,” “mouse jiggler,” and “work wife,” showcasing the breadth of contemporary linguistic innovation being recognized.
This latest update by the Cambridge Dictionary stands as a testament to the fluid and adaptive quality of language in the digital age. By formally acknowledging terms born from internet phenomena and social media interactions, the dictionary reinforces its commitment to accurately reflecting the living language, ensuring that its resources remain relevant and comprehensive for users navigating an increasingly digital world.