Latest Entries in Cambridge Dictionary Include 'Skibidi,' 'Tradwife,' and 'Delulu'
In the ever-evolving world of language, the internet continues to leave its indelible mark, particularly on the younger generations and social media users. The Cambridge Dictionary has recently added several internet slang terms to its online edition, reflecting this influence.
One such term is "Skibidi", a word with multiple possible meanings, such as "cool" or "bad", and it can also be used humorously with no real meaning, often as a joke. The term originated from the creator of the animated YouTube series Skibidi Toilet and has become popular in social media culture [1][2][3].
Another term that has found its way into the dictionary is "Delulu", a playful slang shortening of delusional, meaning "believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to." It reflects the idea of someone being willfully unrealistic or out of touch with reality, commonly used in informal and internet contexts [1][3]. Interestingly, "Delulu" emerged about a decade ago as a way to rebuke particularly obsessive K-pop fans.
The dictionary has also added "Tradwife", an abbreviated form of "traditional wife" used to describe influencers who glorify that role. The term, however, was not defined or explained in the provided context [4].
The phrases "red flag" and "green flag" are increasingly used to express undesirable or desirable qualities in a partner, rather than their more literal meaning. This trend further underscores the impact of internet culture on everyday language [5].
The word "snackable" originally referred to addictive food, but now can also describe online content that can be read or watched in small bursts.
The addition of these terms to the Cambridge Dictionary signifies their staying power, a factor that Colin McIntosh, the lexical program manager of Cambridge Dictionary, considers before adding new words to the dictionary [6]. The word "Skibidi" and "Delulu" were brought into the offline mainstream when Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used the phrase "they are delulu with no solulu" during a speech in Parliament [7]. However, "Solulu" is not defined in the provided context.
The incorporation of internet slang into mainstream language is a testament to the power of social media and the internet in shaping the way we communicate. As these terms continue to evolve and spread, it will be interesting to see how they further impact our language and culture.
In the realm of pop-culture, the internet-originated term "Skibidi" has gained prominence on social media, derived from the YouTube series of the same name, reflecting the influence of online culture [1][2][3]. Additionally, the slang term "Delulu" emerged a decade ago, short for "delusional," used to denote someone who believes things not rooted in reality, particularly observed in informal and internet contexts, and can be traced back to a rebuke of intense K-pop fan behavior [1][3].
