In a move reflecting the undeniable influence of internet culture on modern language, the Cambridge Dictionary has officially added 6,000 new slang terms originating from Gen Z and Gen Alpha. This update marks one of the most significant lexical expansions in recent years, highlighting how language continues to evolve in response to digital communities and viral content trends.

The newly included words—such as “skibidi,” “delulu,” “tradwife,” “leuk,” and “broligarchy”—mirror the daily vocabulary used across social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The update was announced in mid-August 2025, further confirming that even the world’s most respected linguistic institutions are adapting to the pace and unpredictability of online expression.

What Does the Phrase “Skibidi to Delulu” Mean in 2025?

The term “skibidi” originates from the wildly popular and surreal YouTube series Skibidi Toilet, which depicted animated toilets with human heads trying to take over the world. What started as absurdist entertainment among younger viewers, especially Gen Alpha, quickly became a catch-all expression used in casual communication—often replacing any word or phrase for humorous or ironic effect.

The Cambridge Dictionary now officially defines “skibidi” as a term that can hold multiple meanings such as “good,” “bad,” or even function as a nonsense word used for comic relief. This lexical flexibility is precisely what gave the term viral longevity and cultural relevance.

“Delulu,” short for “delusional,” also gained traction through internet memes and fan communities, particularly within the K-pop fandom. Originally used humorously to describe fans’ unrealistic fantasies about dating celebrities, the word now signifies any form of optimistic irrationality—embracing absurd beliefs in a positive or escapist way. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “delulu” is now recognized as an integral part of Gen Z internet vernacular, reflecting both irony and aspiration.

Why the Cambridge Dictionary Embraced Viral Slang

According to Colin McIntosh, lexical programme manager at the Cambridge Dictionary, “We only add words where we think they’ll stick. Internet culture is changing the English language, and it’s fascinating to record that evolution.” This inclusion indicates not only the longevity of these terms but also their legitimacy in contemporary communication.

Other noteworthy additions include:

Tradwife: A term describing women who portray themselves online in traditional domestic roles, often cooking, cleaning, and caring for children as part of a digital lifestyle brand.
Leuk: Derived from “look,” this word became common through LGBTQ+ and drag communities, especially on shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, to praise stylish outfits.
Broligarchy: A blend of “bro” and “oligarchy,” this refers to a small, elite group of influential male tech leaders—often critiqued for their outsized power and lack of diversity.
Mouse Jiggler: A post-pandemic innovation, this refers to a device used to simulate activity on a computer, often for remote workers seeking to appear busy.
Work Spouse: Defined as a non-romantic but deeply supportive workplace partnership that mirrors the emotional and cooperative dynamics of marriage.

The Digital Age of Language: From Niche to Mainstream

This year’s vocabulary update underlines a broader trend: digital-native generations are shaping the future of language in real-time. Slang once limited to niche fandoms or specific social groups now spreads rapidly, often achieving global recognition in a matter of weeks.

For instance, “delulu” started as a tongue-in-cheek fan joke but evolved into a widely used coping term for everyday challenges—especially among younger people navigating economic uncertainty and online identity. “Skibidi,” though nonsensical, encapsulates how humor, absurdity, and meme culture influence everyday dialogue.

With the rise of generative AI, real-time communication, and algorithmic content, words are being coined, adapted, and popularized faster than traditional dictionaries can typically keep up. Cambridge’s 2025 update shows that linguistic institutions are no longer gatekeepers but active participants in recording this evolution.

Expert Insights and Societal Impact

Linguists agree that the rapid adoption of such terms points to a more inclusive and dynamic linguistic environment. These new entries represent not just shifts in language, but also shifts in social norms, identity expression, and how generations communicate online.

The trend also underscores the global influence of fandoms, drag culture, and digital creators, with platforms becoming the new epicenters of linguistic innovation. Recognizing this, dictionaries now prioritize user-generated terms as much as formal or academic vocabulary.

This shift reflects a broader truth: language is not static. It is a living, breathing entity shaped by those who use it. And today, that includes content creators, meme-makers, streamers, and everyday users scrolling through social feeds.

The addition of words like “skibidi” and “delulu” to the Cambridge Dictionary underscores how the boundaries of language are being redrawn by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, turning social media slang into linguistic legacy.

For your information:

What is the meaning of ‘Skibidi’ in 2025?
Skibidi is a slang term originating from the Skibidi Toilet YouTube series. It’s used as a flexible, often humorous word with no fixed meaning—similar to “cool” or “weird.”

Why is ‘Delulu’ so popular among Gen Z?
Delulu is short for delusional and gained popularity for describing the optimistic, sometimes absurd, mindset fans or individuals have—particularly in digital spaces. It reflects both fantasy and resilience.

What does ‘Tradwife’ mean in internet culture?
Tradwife refers to a woman who embraces traditional gender roles and domestic life, often sharing this lifestyle online through content showcasing cooking, cleaning, and family care.

Who is included in the ‘Broligarchy’ term?
Broligarchy typically refers to influential male tech executives like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, or Mark Zuckerberg who wield significant power and influence, particularly in digital and political spaces.

How does slang become part of a dictionary?
Lexicographers track usage trends, frequency, and cultural relevance. If a term shows sustained popularity and clear meaning, it may be considered for formal dictionary inclusion.