Gen Z and Gen Alpha Slang Like “Skibidi” and “Delulu” Added to Cambridge Dictionary

London – Words and phrases made popular by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, including viral slang such as “skibidi,” “delulu,” and “tradwife,” are among 6,000 new entries added to the Cambridge Dictionary online edition over the past year, the publisher announced Monday.

According to Cambridge University Press, these additions reflect the growing influence of internet culture, particularly from platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, on modern language.

One of the most notable inclusions is “tradwife,” a portmanteau of “traditional wife,” which describes a controversial trend on social media promoting traditional gender roles. The term has sparked debate, especially across TikTok and Instagram communities.

Meanwhile, “skibidi,” a nonsensical word popularized by the bizarre “Skibidi Toilet” YouTube series, was defined as having “different meanings, such as cool or bad, or no real meaning at all.” The dictionary acknowledges its link to so-called “brain-rot” content—mindless digital media that dominates the Gen Alpha experience.

“Delulu,” short for delusional, is defined as “believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to.” The term recently gained legitimacy when Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used the phrase “delulu with no solulu” during a 2025 parliamentary speech.

“It’s not every day you get to see words like skibidi and delulu make their way into the Cambridge Dictionary,” said Colin McIntosh, Lexical Programme Manager.
“We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power. Internet culture is changing the English language, and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture.”

Other new entries include:

• “Lewk” – a stylized or signature fashion look, popularized by RuPaul’s Drag Race.

• “Inspo” – short for inspiration.

• “Mouse jiggler” – a tool or software used to fake activity while working remotely.

• “Forever chemical” – synthetic substances that persist in the environment for years, highlighting growing concerns over pollution and climate change.

These additions reflect how online trends and digital lifestyles are reshaping vocabulary at a rapid pace, with dictionaries working hard to keep up.

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