'Skibidi' and 'tradwife' among words added to Cambridge Dictionary

'Skibidi' and 'tradwife' among words added to Cambridge Dictionary

The latest edition of the Cambridge Dictionary is set to include a plethora of new slang terms that have gained popularity on social media platforms. Among these additions are terms like “Skibidi” and “tradwife”, which have made their mark on the digital landscape. Skibidi, a nonsensical term introduced by the creator of a viral YouTube series, carries various meanings such as ‘cool’ or ‘bad’, or can be used humorously with no real significance. On the other hand, tradwife is a condensed version of “traditional wife”, representing a married mother who takes care of household chores and shares her lifestyle on social media.

According to Colin McIntosh, the lexical programme manager, the influx of new words mirrors the changing landscape of internet culture and its impact on the English language. More than 6,000 new terms have been incorporated into the dictionary, including those related to remote work and technology giants. Some of the newly added phrases provide insight into contemporary trends and behaviors, such as “delulu”, a playful take on “delusional”, which refers to believing in unreal or false notions out of personal choice.

One significant inclusion in the dictionary is “mouse jiggler”, a device or software used to simulate activity on a computer when one is not actually working. The rise of remote work during the global pandemic has underscored the relevance of such terms in modern-day lexicon. Additionally, composite terms like “broligarchy” have found their way into the latest edition of the dictionary. Coined by merging “bro” and “oligarchy”, this term describes a select group of affluent and powerful men, particularly those involved in the tech industry, who wield significant political influence.

The linguistic evolution captured in the Cambridge Dictionary sheds light on the dynamic nature of language in response to societal shifts and technological advancements. From the proliferation of internet-driven terminology to the emergence of composite words reflecting current socio-political trends, the inclusion of these new terms underscores the ongoing fusion of digital culture with traditional language structures. With each edition, the dictionary serves as a testament to the ever-changing linguistic landscape shaped by the influences of contemporary society

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