If Gen Z slang phrases go away you scratching your head, the Cambridge Dictionary has a brand new replace which will assist.
The dictionary introduced it has added 6,212 new phrases, phrases, and meanings this 12 months.
Among the many most notable entries are skibidi, delulu, tradwife, and lewk.
The phrase “skibidi” has maybe the strangest origin.
It unfold from a low-resolution meme video that includes a person’s head rising from a rest room seat whereas saying the phrase.
The Cambridge definition reads: “a phrase that may have totally different meanings akin to ‘cool’ or ‘dangerous,’ or can be utilized with no actual which means as a joke.”
For most individuals exterior of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, skibidi quantities to little greater than gibberish.
“Delulu” is one other time period formally acknowledged.
It’s a play on the phrase “delusional.”
Cambridge defines it as somebody “believing issues that aren’t actual or true, often since you select to.”
“Tradwife” additionally made the listing. It refers to a “conventional spouse,” a married girl who embraces homemaking and childcare.
‘What the skibidi are you doing?’
On #BBCBreafast Jon & Sarah mentioned “skibidi” and “delulu” that are amongst hundreds of latest phrases to be added to the Cambridge Dictionary this 12 months.https://t.co/zAY92zEXnP pic.twitter.com/DT7d4Ks5kT
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) August 18, 2025
The time period has gained recognition on Instagram and TikTok as youthful ladies spotlight a return to conventional roles.
“Lewk,” in the meantime, is a stylized type of “look.”
It refers to a particular outfit or daring style assertion.
One other new phrase is “broligarchy.”
Cambridge describes it as “a small group of males, particularly males proudly owning or concerned in a know-how enterprise, who’re extraordinarily wealthy and highly effective, and who’ve or need political affect. The phrase is a mix of bro and oligarchy.”
Colin McIntosh, lexical program supervisor at Cambridge Dictionary, mentioned web slang has an actual influence on language.
“It’s not day-after-day you get to see phrases like skibidi and delulu make their method into the Cambridge Dictionary,” McIntosh mentioned. “We solely add phrases the place we predict they’ll have endurance. Web tradition is altering the English language and the impact is fascinating to watch and seize within the Dictionary.”
Cambridge famous that the additions are a part of a broad enlargement.
“The 6,212 new phrases, phrases and meanings, alongside a daily programme of revisions and an increasing vary of bilingual dictionaries, make the Cambridge Dictionary one of many fastest-growing dictionaries on the planet,” it mentioned.
This text appeared initially on The Western Journal.
