'Skibidi', 'delulu' and more TikTok slang words added to Cambridge Dictionary

The Cambridge Dictionary has just officially added 6,000 new words, including a series of slang words originating from social networks such as "skibidi", "delulu", "tradwife", reflecting the growing influence of TikTok culture on modern English.

The Cambridge Dictionary has just added a series of new word definitions, many of which originate from slang frequently used by young people on TikTok - Photo: ALAMY

According to the Guardian newspaper on August 18, the dictionary's editorial board confirmed that this is not just a temporary Internet craze, but that these words are likely to last a long time.

"Internet culture is changing English, and it's really exciting to see and document that change in the dictionary," said Colin McIntosh, Cambridge Dictionaries' vocabulary program manager.

"It's not every day you see words like 'skibidi' and 'delulu' enter the Cambridge Dictionary. We only add words when we believe they have longevity," he stressed.

"Skibidi" is defined by Cambridge as "a word that can have many different meanings such as "cool" or "bad". It is also used to emphasize a statement, often without any specific meaning.

"Skibidi" became popular through the YouTube video "Skibidi Toilet", which shows a human head protruding from a toilet.

The phenomenon gained more attention when reality TV star Kim Kardashian showed off a necklace given to her by her daughter for her birthday, with the words "skibidi toilet" engraved on it.

The word "skibidi" became popular through a YouTube video showing a human head sticking out of a toilet - Photo: DAFUQ!?BOOM!

In addition to "skibidi", Cambridge also added the definition of "tradwife" to its dictionary. This is an abbreviation of "traditional wife", which appeared in 2020 and quickly caused a lot of controversy.

This word is used to refer to married women who stay at home to take care of their husbands and children, cook, etc. and often share this lifestyle on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube.

As for “delulu,” it’s a variation of the word “delusional.” It reflects the “post-truth” trend, where people’s beliefs are more important than reality.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines "delulu" as "believing things that are not true or real, usually of one's own choice".

The term was originally used as a sarcasm in the K-pop fan community about the belief in dating idols. It later became a popular slang on TikTok with the phrase "delulu is the solulu".

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese even used the phrase "delulu with no solulu" to attack his opponents in Parliament .

In addition to "skibidi", "delulu" and "tradwife", the Cambridge dictionary also includes the word "broligarchy", a combination of bro and oligarchy .

The term refers to "a small group of men, particularly in the technology industry, who are extremely wealthy and powerful, and who have or aspire to political influence".

Other notable new words include "mouse jiggler," a post-pandemic device or software that simulates mouse activity to keep computers from falling asleep, and "work spouse" — a workplace relationship where two people support and trust each other.

XUAN THAO

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/skibidi-delulu-va-nhieu-tu-long-tiktok-duoc-them-vao-tu-dien-cambridge-20250818114739092.htm