The Cambridge Dictionary has added more than 6,000 new words and phrases this year, reflecting the evolving influence of internet culture and modern work life on the English language. Among the new entries are social media slang, workplace expressions, and tech-related terms, showcasing how digital culture continues to shape everyday communication.
Slang from Internet Culture
“Skibidi,” a nonsensical term popularized by surreal YouTube videos, has been defined as a versatile word that can mean “cool,” “bad,” or nothing at all, often used humorously. The term gained global attention through the viral “Skibidi Toilet” video series, as well as the Russian band Little Big’s 2018 hit “Skibidi.” Reality TV star Kim Kardashian also brought it into the mainstream by sharing a necklace engraved with the phrase. Another new entry is “tradwife,” short for “traditional wife,” referring to women who embrace traditional roles in the home while sharing their lifestyle online.
Remote Work and Workplace Terms
The pandemic-driven shift toward remote working has also left its mark on the dictionary. Words like “mouse jiggler,” referring to devices or software that simulate computer activity, have been officially recognized. Additionally, terms such as “work wife” and “work spouse” acknowledge the supportive relationships that often form between colleagues in professional environments.
Emerging Cultural Phrases
Other notable additions include “delulu,” derived from “delusional,” which describes someone believing things that are not true, often by choice. Meanwhile, “broligarchy” combines “bro” and “oligarchy” to describe a small group of extremely wealthy and influential men in the tech industry. The word has been used in reference to figures such as Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg.
Criteria for New Words
Colin McIntosh, lexical programme manager at Cambridge Dictionary, emphasized that only words expected to have staying power are added. “Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary,” he noted. The additions reflect both the playful creativity of online communities and the broader shifts in social and professional life.
By adding thousands of new entries, the Cambridge Dictionary highlights the dynamic nature of language and the powerful role of digital culture in shaping modern communication. From viral memes to workplace jargon, these words represent how people adapt language to capture new experiences and cultural shifts.