What's Happening?
The Cambridge Dictionary has incorporated several new words influenced by TikTok culture, including 'skibidi', 'delulu', and 'tradwife'. These additions highlight the growing impact of internet culture on the English language. 'Skibidi', popularized by a viral animated video, is used to emphasize statements and can mean 'cool' or 'bad'. 'Delulu', short for delusional, is associated with believing in things that are not real, often used in the context of K-pop fandoms. 'Tradwife' refers to socially conservative influencers who focus on traditional family roles. The dictionary's lexical program manager, Colin McIntosh, notes that these words are added for their staying power, indicating a lasting influence of internet culture on language.
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Why It's Important?
The inclusion of these words in the Cambridge Dictionary signifies the profound influence of social media platforms like TikTok on language and culture. This reflects a shift in how language evolves, driven by digital interactions and the rapid spread of internet trends. The adoption of such terms into formal lexicons underscores the importance of understanding and adapting to new cultural phenomena. It also highlights the generational divide in language use, as older generations may struggle to keep up with these changes. This development could impact educational approaches, media communication, and cultural studies, as language continues to evolve in response to digital trends.
