Skibidibi and delulu in the Cambridge Dictionary. Boomers throw up their hands

Language changes every day, as those who follow the annual Youth Word of the Year poll are likely aware. We've seen instances where phrases from films , TV series , or books have found their way into everyday speech, but let's not forget that it's 2025. Today, words and phrases promoted on social media are used.

The Cambridge Dictionary, the world's most popular online dictionary for English learners, has received a significant boost over the past year, adding 6,212 new words, phrases, and meanings. These include such gems as "skibidi," "delulu , " "tradwife," and "lewk," which have gained popularity thanks to social media , celebrities , influencers , and video games .

The Cambridge Dictionary and the "skibidi" scandal

Let's take "skibidi" as a random term. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it's a slang term that can mean "cool," "bad," or even have no meaning at all. It's all clear, right? The word was coined by the creator of the viral YouTube series Skibidi Toilet and quickly became a household word among younger generations.

For many, the addition of youth-oriented words derived from internet slang to the Cambridge Dictionary may be controversial. As Colin McIntosh , head of the Cambridge Dictionary's lexical program, emphasizes, these words are not a passing fad.

"It's not every day you see words like skibidi and delulu made it into the Cambridge Dictionary . We only add words we think will stick. Internet culture is changing the English language, and it's fascinating to see and document this in the dictionary," he emphasizes.

"Delulu", "trad wife" and "lewk": What do these words mean?

You complain about words like "skibidi" and "delulu" ? They're in the dictionary now. A Cambridge dictionary at that. And that means something, right?

We are extending a helping hand to you, and below you will find some definitions of words that are troublesome – at least for some people.

Delulu : A pun based on the word "delusional" , meaning a belief in things that are not true or real, or a person who is detached from reality.

Lewk: A pun based on the word "look," meaning a particular style, fashion, or outfit, especially one that is unusual and impressive.

Tradwife: Short for "traditional wife," a married woman, especially one who posts on social media, stays at home cooking, cleaning, etc., and cares for children. The word reflects a growing trend on Instagram and TikTok that promotes traditional gender roles.

Inspo: Short for "inspiration" – something, especially something posted on the internet, that gives you ideas for doing something or makes you want to do something.

All clear? For more information, please consult the Cambridge Dictionary .