Several Social media slang terms have recently been added to the 2025 edition of the Cambridge Dictionary. Many of these new words emanate from TikTok trends and internet culture.
The addition of these words point to the growing influence of social media culture on the English lexicon. Colin McIntosh, the Cambridge Dictionary’s Lexical Programme Manager, notes that only words showing linguistic staying power make the cut.
“Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary.
“It’s not every day you get to see words like ‘skibidi’ and ‘delulu’ make their way into the Cambridge Dictionary. We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power.” Colin McIntosh noted. He also pointed out the surge of internet culture-driven expressions signals a new generation’s active role in language evolution.
Newly Added Words
- Skibidi: A nonsensical term popularized by the viral Skibidi Toilet YouTube series. It can mean “cool,” “bad,” or simply serve as a humorous filler with no fixed meaning—used in phrases like “What the skibidi are you doing?”
- Delulu: A short form for delusional, referring to someone believing things that aren’t real—often playfully linked to fan culture and the “manifesting” trend. Notably, Australia’s Prime Minister used it in parliament: “delulu with no solulu.”
- Tradwife: A shortening of traditional wife, describing social media influencers who celebrate domestic roles like cooking and homemaking.
- Broligarchy: A blend of bro and oligarchy, referring to a small group of powerful men in the tech industry who wield influence.
- Mouse jiggler: A device or software designed to simulate mouse movement to keep a computer active, reflecting work-from-home trends.
- Work spouse (or work wife/work spouse): Describes a close, non-romantic bond between co-workers built on trust and mutual support.
- Forever chemical: An environmentally relevant term referring to harmful, persistent substances that don’t easily break down. While mentioned in some reports, this term is a broader reflection of climate-related language.
