New Words Like “Skibidi” and “Tradwife” Added to Cambridge Dictionary

The Cambridge Dictionary has expanded its lexicon to include over 6,000 new words and phrases, reflecting the evolving nature of language in the digital age. Among the notable additions are the slang terms “skibidi” and “tradwife,” which have gained popularity through social media and cultural trends.

The term “skibidi” is defined in the dictionary as a word that can convey different meanings such as “cool” or “bad,” or can serve as a humorous expression with no specific meaning. This term was popularized by the viral animated video series “Skibidi Toilet” on YouTube. Notably, reality television star Kim Kardashian demonstrated her awareness of the term when she shared a video in October featuring a necklace, a birthday gift from her daughter, engraved with “skibidi toilet.”

Language Evolution in the Digital Era

According to Colin McIntosh, the lexical programme manager at Cambridge Dictionary, the impact of internet culture on the English language is significant. He stated, “Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary.” The dictionary defines “tradwife,” a contraction of traditional wife, as a married woman who typically stays at home to manage household duties, including cooking and childcare, often sharing her experiences on social media.

Another term gaining traction is “delulu,” a playful take on the word “delusional.” This term refers to individuals who believe in things that are not real or true, often as a result of personal choice. McIntosh emphasized that the dictionary only includes words with the potential for longevity, stating, “We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power.”

The Cambridge Dictionary employs the Cambridge English Corpus, which consists of over two billion words from both written and spoken English, to track the usage and context of new words.

Remote Work and New Terminology

The shift towards remote work during the pandemic has also influenced the language, leading to the inclusion of terms such as “mouse jiggler.” This phrase describes a device or software that simulates activity on a computer to suggest that a person is working, even when they are not.

Other notable additions include composite terms like “broligarchy,” which merges “bro” and “oligarchy” to describe a small group of wealthy men, particularly in the tech industry, who wield significant political influence. This term came into use during discussions of tech leaders such as Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg attending Donald Trump’s inauguration in January.

Additionally, terms like “work wife” and “work spouse” have been recognized, which denote close professional relationships characterized by mutual support and trust between colleagues.

The inclusion of these words reflects not only changing social norms but also the dynamic nature of language as it adapts to contemporary realities. The evolving lexicon continues to be a testament to how cultural shifts shape communication in the modern world.