Recently, the Cambridge Dictionary has welcomed a slew of new terms, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of language influenced by popular culture and social media. Notably, the words “Skibidi” and “tradwife” have made the cut, alongside over 6,000 additional entries, underlining the dynamic relationship between technology, culture, and language. This addition comes in the wake of significant changes in communication due to the rapid rise in internet use and social media platforms, making it essential for dictionaries to adapt and keep pace.
“Skibidi” emerged as a gibberish expression that gained recognition through a viral animated video series on YouTube. The term can express various meanings, including “cool” or “bad,” or even serve as a humorous exclamation devoid of any serious implication, as illustrated by a usage example like, “What the skibidi are you doing?” This playful nature of the term mirrors the trends seen across different online platforms where memes and catchphrases catch like wildfire, creating a tapestry of modern language that reflects youth and internet culture.
In an intriguing intertwining of pop culture with this linguistic evolution, reality TV star Kim Kardashian recently showcased her connection to the term by sharing a video on Instagram featuring a custom necklace engraved with “skibidi toilet,” referencing the very animated series that popularized the word. This blend of celebrity culture with a simple term highlights how vocabulary can traverse multiple realms—moving from vernacular to mainstream recognition with remarkable speed.
Similarly noteworthy is the term “tradwife,” a truncation of “traditional wife,” referring to a married woman who takes on traditional domestic roles such as cooking and cleaning, often showcased through social media platforms. These terms are not just reflections of the current social structure but also underline the conversations surrounding gender roles and expectations in contemporary society.
Colin McIntosh, the lexical programme manager at Cambridge Dictionary, shared insights on how internet culture is reshaping the English language, stating that it is “fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary.” Such additions are not merely lexical tokens; they signify cultural shifts and the collective zeitgeist, documenting how communal language adapts and evolves over time.
Amid these new entries, phrases like “delulu,” derived from “delusional,” loom large in contemporary vernacular. This term encapsulates the state of believing in ideas that are not grounded in reality, demonstrating how language has been increasingly streamlined. The rise in remote working, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has ushered in a slew of new terms as well. “Mouse jiggler,” for example, refers to any device or software designed to create an illusion of productivity when someone is not actively working. This clever innovation in language sheds light on the intricacies of contemporary work culture and its challenges.
Other notable additions include terms such as “work wife” and “work spouse,” both expressing the unique interpersonal dynamics that can form in professional environments, showcasing trust and mutual support. Additionally, “broligarchy,” a novel term that fuses “bro” and “oligarchy,” describes the influential male-dominated circles in technology, exemplified by the likes of tech moguls such as Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. McIntosh emphasized the ethos of the dictionary, stating that words are added only if they possess the potential for longevity in the language.
In conclusion, the integration of terms like “skibidi” and “tradwife” into the Cambridge Dictionary not only traces the rapid shifts in cultural conversations but also captures the broader narrative of how language continues to evolve in the face of societal changes. This continuous evolution exemplifies the intersection between wider trends and individual expression, highlighting the persistent richness of language and its ability to encapsulate the contemporary human experience.
