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Arabian Post
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Arabian Post
Slang from TikTok and YouTube Gets Permanent Home
Cambridge Dictionary has added over 6,000 entries to its online lexicon this year, including the slang 'skibidi,' alongside other terms that reflect internet-era linguistic shifts. Lexical programme manager Colin McIntosh emphasised that each word chosen shows signs of enduring use, based on analysis via the Cambridge English Corpus containing more than two billion instances of written and spoken English. 'Skibidi' entered the dictionary with a flexible definition — it can mean 'cool' or 'bad,' or serve as a humorous placeholder with no inherent meaning, often used for emphasis or amusement, as in 'What the skibidi are you doing?'. The term traces its origins to Skibidi Toilet, a surreal animated YouTube series that has become a viral phenomenon, especially among Generation Alpha. The inclusion underscores the influence of internet culture—notably TikTok, YouTube, and meme communities—on the evolution of English. Also joining the lexicon are 'tradwife,' 'delulu,' 'mouse jiggler,' and 'forever chemical.' 'Tradwife' describes a woman embracing traditional homemaking roles and often sharing her lifestyle on social media; 'delulu' is a shortened form of 'delusional,' used to playfully describe belief in fantasies over reality; 'mouse jiggler' refers to software or a device that simulates computer activity during remote work; and 'forever chemical' denotes persistent environmental pollutants. ADVERTISEMENT Public reaction has been mixed. Some commentators mocked the inclusion of 'skibidi,' with one remarking that it turns the English language into a 'TikTok comment section'. Artist Lee Escobedo described 'skibidi brain-rot' as embodying a generation fluent in irony yet starved for meaning, suggesting the term illustrates chaotic digital culture dominating young minds. Despite criticism, supporters argue that dictionaries must evolve with usage. The Cambridge Dictionary's selection process relies on frequency, context, and longevity signals in its corpus, ensuring that only words with staying power are added. These additions also shine a light on broader linguistic trends. Beyond slang, entries like 'broligarchy,' 'snackable,' and '15-minute city' reflect shifts in political and cultural conversations. The inclusion of 'mouse jiggler' and 'work spouse' reveal how post-pandemic work culture has shaped everyday language. Cambridge Dictionary's move highlights the increasing permeability between internet subcultures and formal language. Tracking these developments offers insight into evolving communication patterns.
Irish Examiner
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
‘Skibidi', ‘delulu' and ‘tradwife' among words added to Cambridge Dictionary
'Skibidi', 'tradwife' and 'delulu' are among the new words to have made this year's Cambridge Dictionary in a selection that confirms the increasing influence of the TikTok generation on the English language. For those hoping that such neologisms would be a passing internet craze, the compilers of the dictionary say they are here to stay. 'Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary,' said its lexical programme manager, Colin McIntosh. '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.' Older generations and those not on TikTok will have just to get used to words such as skibidi. Children often use it to add emphasis to statements. It became popular thanks to Skibidi Toilet — a viral animated video that began on YouTube featuring human heads protruding from lavatories. The Cambridge Dictionary defines skibidi as 'a word that can have different meanings such as 'cool' or 'bad', or can be used with no real meaning as a joke', an example of its use is: 'What the skibidi are you doing?'' People older than generation Alpha tend to greet the use of the word with despair. The US writer and artist Lee Escobedo wrote in the Guardian earlier this year: 'Skibidi brainrot encapsulates a generation fluent in irony but starved for meaning. This kind of hyper-chaotic media serves as both entertainment and an ambient worldview for young men raised online. Their minds normalise prank-as-expression.' Tradwife The tradwife phenomenon, which dates to a least 2020, has also been widely criticised. It refers to socially conservative influencers who celebrate looking after their husbands, children, and homes and post about it on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. The dictionary definition says a tradwife is 'especially one who posts on social media'. Delulu, an abbreviation of delusional, is less controversial, but has become associated with a post-truth world where personal beliefs are more important than reality. Its dictionary entry defines it as 'believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to'. Delulu emerged more than 10 years ago as an insult directed at obsessive K-pop followers fans to question their belief that they would date their idols. The term 'delulu is the solulu' for manifesting your wishes has been viewed billions of times on TikTok. The phrase 'delulu with no solulu' was used earlier this year by Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, to attack his opponents in parliament. 'Broligarchy', a term for the tech industry leaders on whose platforms many of these new words are spreading, also makes it into the dictionary. Merging 'bro' and 'oligarchy', the dictionary says it refers to 'a small group of men, especially men owning or involved in a technology business, who are extremely rich and powerful, and who have or want political influence'. Other new entries in the dictionary include 'mouse jiggler', a post-pandemic device or piece of software used to make it seem as though you are working when you are not. 'Work spouse', meanwhile, is a phrase for workplace relationships where two people help and trust each other, according to the dictionary. The Guardian
Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
TikTok slangs like skibidi, broligarchy find a new home in Cambridge Dictionary; know what the words mean
If you've ever heard a child shout 'What the skibidi are you doing?' and felt like you aged ten years on the spot, well, you're not alone. But now, thanks to the Cambridge Dictionary, it turns out that word salad is officially English. Yup. 'Skibidi', 'tradwife', and 'delulu' are among a wave of new words added this year, confirming that TikTok isn't just shaping pop culture; it's rewriting the dictionary, too. 'Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary,' said Colin McIntosh, lexical programme manager, in The Guardian. So, before your younger cousins leave you behind linguistically (again), let's decode what these new entries actually mean, and why linguists say they're not going anywhere. Born from the Skibidi Toilet phenomenon on YouTube — a video series of dancing toilets with human heads — 'skibidi' is now officially a word. Sort of. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as: 'A word that can have different meanings, such as 'cool' or 'bad', or can be used with no real meaning as a joke.' Example: 'What the skibidi are you doing?' It's chaotic, absurd, and confusing to adults, which is exactly why Gen Alpha loves it. As The Guardian notes, US writer and artist Lee Escobedo wasn't entirely impressed: 'Skibidi brainrot encapsulates a generation fluent in irony but starved for meaning. Their minds normalise prank-as-expression.' So yes, 'skibidi' might make zero sense, and that's the point. Meet the tradwife, short for 'traditional wife.' This term has been floating around since 2020, but it's now an official entry, and it continues to stir up debates. The dictionary defines a tradwife as: 'A woman who chooses to live a traditional lifestyle, especially one who posts on social media.' Think full-time homemaker vibes, baking sourdough in vintage dresses, and gushing about serving your husband, all while going viral on TikTok and YouTube. Google Nara Smith for a visual representation. Supporters say it's about choice and empowerment. Critics argue it glamorises outdated gender roles. Either way, the tradwife trend is now baked right into our language, sourdough and all. 'Delulu' is short for 'delusional', and let's be honest, it sounds way more fun. Originally coined over a decade ago to poke fun at obsessed K-pop stans who believed they'd marry their idols, delulu has become a whole movement. Today, it's more about the power of belief, even if it borders on wishful thinking. The official definition: 'Believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to.' TikTok has turned delulu is the solulu (translation: delusion is the solution) into a viral affirmation, encouraging people to 'manifest' their dream lives, or at least dream big. It's gotten so mainstream that even politicians are using it. Earlier this year, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused his rivals of being: 'Delulu with no solulu,' according to The Guardian. Also new this year: broligarchy — a mash-up of 'bro' and 'oligarchy.' It's a tongue-in-cheek jab at the powerful, mostly male tech leaders who control the platforms where all these new words are born. They're the reason why a surreal toilet video can influence a global dictionary. And while you might not hear broligarchy in everyday chat, its inclusion is a nod to who's actually shaping digital culture. Short answer: because they're not just trends anymore. According to The Guardian, Colin McIntosh explained: '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.' Translation: If people are saying it enough — especially online — it counts. So whether you're into ironic nonsense (skibidi), nostalgic housewife aesthetics (tradwife), delusional positivity (delulu), or calling out Silicon Valley bros (broligarchy), your vocab just got a whole lot trendier (and a little weirder).
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Skibidi', ‘delulu' and ‘tradwife' among words added to Cambridge Dictionary
'Skibidi', 'tradwife' and 'delulu' are among the new words to have made this year's Cambridge Dictionary in a selection that confirms the increasing influence of the TikTok generation on the English language. For those hoping such that such neologisms would be a passing internet craze, the compilers of the dictionary say they are here to stay. 'Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary,' said its lexical programme manager, Colin McIntosh. '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.' Older generations and those not on TikTok will have just to get used to words such as skibidi. Children often use it to add emphasis to statements. It became popular thanks to Skibidi Toilet – a viral animated video that began on YouTube featuring human heads protruding from lavatories. The Cambridge Dictionary defines skibidi as 'a word that can have different meanings such as 'cool' or 'bad', or can be used with no real meaning as a joke', an example of its use is: 'What the skibidi are you doing?'' People older than generation Alpha tend to greet the use of the word with despair . The US writer and artist Lee Escobedo wrote in the Guardian earlier this year: 'Skibidi brainrot encapsulates a generation fluent in irony but starved for meaning. This kind of hyper-chaotic media serves as both entertainment and an ambient worldview for young men raised online. Their minds normalise prank-as-expression.' The tradwife phenomenon, which dates to a least 2020, has also been widely criticised. It refers to socially conservative influencers who celebrate looking after their husbands, children and homes and post about it on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. The dictionary definition says a tradwife is 'especially one who posts on social media'. Delulu, an abbreviation of delusional, is less controversial, but has become associated with a post-truth world where personal beliefs are more important than reality. Its dictionary entry defines it as 'believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to'. Delulu emerged more than 10 years ago as an insult directed at obsessive K-pop followers fans to question their belief that they would date their idols. The term 'delulu is the solulu' for manifesting your wishes has been viewed billions of times on TikTok. The phrase 'delulu with no solulu' was used earlier this year by Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, to attack his opponents in parliament. 'Broligarchy', a term for the tech industry leaders on whose platforms many of these new words are spreading, also makes it into the dictionary. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Merging 'bro' and 'oligarchy', the dictionary says it refers to 'a small group of men, especially men owning or involved in a technology business, who are extremely rich and powerful, and who have or want political influence'. Other new entries in the dictionary include 'mouse jiggler', a post-pandemic device or piece of software used to make it seem as though you are working when you are not. 'Work spouse', meanwhile, is a phrase for workplace relationships where two people help and trust each other, according to the dictionary.
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Skibidi', ‘delulu' and ‘tradwife' among words added to Cambridge Dictionary
'Skibidi', 'tradwife' and 'delulu' are among the new words to have made this year's Cambridge Dictionary in a selection that confirms the increasing influence of the TikTok generation on the English language. For those hoping such that such neologisms would be a passing internet craze, the compilers of the dictionary say they are here to stay. 'Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary,' said its lexical programme manager, Colin McIntosh. '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.' Older generations and those not on TikTok will have just to get used to words such as skibidi. Children often use it to add emphasis to statements. It became popular thanks to Skibidi Toilet – a viral animated video that began on YouTube featuring human heads protruding from lavatories. The Cambridge Dictionary defines skibidi as 'a word that can have different meanings such as 'cool' or 'bad', or can be used with no real meaning as a joke', an example of its use is: 'What the skibidi are you doing?'' People older than generation Alpha tend to greet the use of the word with despair . The US writer and artist Lee Escobedo wrote in the Guardian earlier this year: 'Skibidi brainrot encapsulates a generation fluent in irony but starved for meaning. This kind of hyper-chaotic media serves as both entertainment and an ambient worldview for young men raised online. Their minds normalise prank-as-expression.' The tradwife phenomenon, which dates to a least 2020, has also been widely criticised. It refers to socially conservative influencers who celebrate looking after their husbands, children and homes and post about it on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. The dictionary definition says a tradwife is 'especially one who posts on social media'. Delulu, an abbreviation of delusional, is less controversial, but has become associated with a post-truth world where personal beliefs are more important than reality. Its dictionary entry defines it as 'believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to'. Delulu emerged more than 10 years ago as an insult directed at obsessive K-pop followers fans to question their belief that they would date their idols. The term 'delulu is the solulu' for manifesting your wishes has been viewed billions of times on TikTok. The phrase 'delulu with no solulu' was used earlier this year by Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, to attack his opponents in parliament. 'Broligarchy', a term for the tech industry leaders on whose platforms many of these new words are spreading, also makes it into the dictionary. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Merging 'bro' and 'oligarchy', the dictionary says it refers to 'a small group of men, especially men owning or involved in a technology business, who are extremely rich and powerful, and who have or want political influence'. Other new entries in the dictionary include 'mouse jiggler', a post-pandemic device or piece of software used to make it seem as though you are working when you are not. 'Work spouse', meanwhile, is a phrase for workplace relationships where two people help and trust each other, according to the dictionary.
