Cambridge Dictionary Adds 'Skibidi', 'Delulu', and 'Tradwife' Reflecting Internet Culture Influence

What's Happening?

The Cambridge Dictionary has added several new words, including 'skibidi', 'delulu', and 'tradwife', highlighting the impact of internet culture, particularly from platforms like TikTok, on the English language. 'Skibidi', popularized by a viral animated video, is defined as a word with varying meanings such as 'cool' or 'bad', or used humorously without real meaning. 'Tradwife' refers to socially conservative influencers who focus on traditional domestic roles and share their experiences on social media. 'Delulu', short for delusional, describes a belief in things that are not real, often used in the context of obsessive fandoms. The dictionary also includes 'broligarchy', a term for powerful tech industry leaders, and 'mouse jiggler', a device used to simulate activity during remote work.

Why It's Important?

The inclusion of these words in the Cambridge Dictionary signifies the growing influence of digital and social media culture on language. This reflects broader societal shifts where internet trends and behaviors increasingly shape communication and cultural norms. The addition of terms like 'tradwife' and 'delulu' also points to evolving social dynamics and the role of social media in promoting certain lifestyles and ideologies. As language evolves, dictionaries must adapt to capture these changes, impacting how future generations understand and use language.