Cambridge University Press has added 6,000 new words and phrases to the online edition of the Cambridge Dictionary over the past year.
Several new entries are expressions popularized by Gen Z and Gen Alpha communities, often through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Among them is “skibidi”, a nonsensical word with fluid meaning, sometimes used to indicate something “cool,” “bad,” or simply without any clear definition. It originated from the YouTube meme series Skibidi Toilet, which has been described as part of the “brain rot” genre of online content, mostly consumed by Gen Alpha.
Another new term, “delulu”, is a shortened form of “delusional.” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it describes someone who chooses to believe things that are not true. The entry includes a 2025 reference to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who used the phrase “delulu with no solulu” during a parliamentary speech.
“Tradwife”, a blend of “traditional” and “wife,” has also been included. The term refers to a rising trend on social media that promotes traditional gender roles within marriages. It has become a subject of both interest and controversy online.
Other cultural terms added include “lewk”, used to describe a distinctive or fashionable appearance, particularly popularized through RuPaul’s Drag Race, and “inspo”, short for “inspiration.”
The shift toward remote work has brought about new workplace vocabulary as well. The term “mouse jiggler” refers to a device or software that simulates computer activity, allowing remote employees to appear active when they are not.
The phrase “forever chemical”, used to describe man-made substances that persist in the environment and can pose health risks, has gained traction due to increasing awareness of environmental damage and climate change.
Colin McIntosh, Lexical Programme Manager at the Cambridge Dictionary, said the team adds new words only when there is strong evidence that they will endure. “Internet culture is changing the English language, and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary,” he stated.