LONDON – The Cambridge Dictionary has announced the addition of more than 6,000 new words, reflecting the rapid evolution of language influenced by social media trends, internet culture, and contemporary society. Among the most notable additions are “Skibidi,” “Tradwife,” and “Delulu,” which have gained widespread attention in recent years.
“Skibidi” is a playful term popularized by a viral animated video series. While its meaning is flexible, it is generally used for humor or emphasis in online conversations. “Tradwife” refers to women who embrace traditional domestic roles and often share insights about their lifestyles on social media, highlighting a return to conventional household values. “Delulu,” shorthand for “delusional,” has emerged in online fandoms, particularly K-pop communities, to describe fans who hold unrealistic or fantastical beliefs about celebrities or situations.
The new additions also include words reflecting modern technology and societal concerns. Terms like “mouse jiggler,” which describes a device used to simulate computer activity during remote work, and “forever chemical,” referring to persistent environmental pollutants, illustrate how language adapts to current lifestyles and global issues.
Cambridge Dictionary editors explained that all new words were selected based on their widespread and sustained use in spoken and written English. The dictionary relies on its extensive corpus of over two billion words to monitor trends, ensuring that added terms are not fleeting slang but reflect long-term shifts in communication.
Lexicographers emphasized that these additions highlight the influence of the internet, pop culture, and social movements on language. They noted that words which emerge in social media spaces or niche communities can quickly enter mainstream usage, necessitating regular updates to maintain the dictionary’s relevance for global users.
The latest update demonstrates the dynamic nature of language, showing how English continues to evolve with societal trends, technological advancements, and cultural phenomena. Experts say that including such words helps capture contemporary expressions, ensuring that dictionaries remain a useful resource for understanding both traditional and emerging vocabulary.
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