Cambridge Dictionary Adds SKIBIDI, TRAD WIFE, and DELULU in 2025 Update

Aimee Cherry Quartey
By
Cambridge Dictionary Adds SKIBIDI, TRAD WIFE, and DELULU in 2025 Update
Cambridge Dictionary
The Cambridge Dictionary has announced the addition of more than 6,000 new words and phrases this year, reflecting the fast-evolving influence of internet culture on the English language. Among the standout entries are viral slang terms like SKIBIDI, TRAD WIFE, and DELULU

“Internet culture is changing the English language, and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary,” said Colin McIntosh, lexical program manager at Cambridge Dictionary.

To determine which new words merit inclusion, the dictionary team relies on the Cambridge English Corpus, a massive database of over 2 billion words from written and spoken English. This resource allows lexicographers to study how words are being used, how often they appear, and in what contexts they are most relevant.

“We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power,” McIntosh explained, emphasizing that dictionary updates reflect long-term trends rather than fleeting memes.

Skibidi” — a playful reference from internet meme culture, originating from the viral “Skibidi Toilet” videos.
• “Tradwife” — shorthand for “traditional wife,” used in discussions about gender roles, domesticity, and online subcultures.
• “Delulu” — a slang term derived from “delusional,” often used humorously to describe unrealistic optimism or obsession, particularly in fan culture.

Skibidi — a playful reference from internet meme culture, originating from the viral “Skibidi Toilet” videos.
• Tradwife — shorthand for “traditional wife,” used in discussions about gender roles, domesticity, and online subcultures.
• Delulu — a slang term derived from “delusional,” often used humorously to describe unrealistic optimism or obsession, particularly in fan culture.

Experts note that the inclusion of such terms shows how deeply digital spaces are shaping global English. Online slang often spreads across borders faster than traditional vocabulary, and words once considered niche can quickly become part of everyday conversation.

This update highlights Cambridge Dictionary’s role in documenting not just standard English, but the living language as it evolves in real time.

Comments

MORE FROM
entertainment

More From 3Music News

Akwaboah Celebrates Different SHADES OF LOVE
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | February 23rd, 2026

Akwaboah Celebrates Different SHADES OF LOVE

Love and live music filled the air in Accra yesterday as celebrated highlife singer and songwriter, Akwaboah hosted the 2026 edition of his annual SHADES OF LOVE concert...

Adina Thembi Announces Second Studio Album BECOMING
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | BY Christabel Newman | February 23rd, 2026

Adina Thembi Announces Second Studio Album BECOMING

Ghanaian-South African vocalist, Adina, has officially revealed that her second studio album, BECOMING, is set for release in 2026 sparking excitement among her ever-growing fanbase...

Vybz Kartel And Mavado Set To Reignite Iconic Rivalry In Malta
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | February 23rd, 2026

Vybz Kartel And Mavado Set To Reignite Iconic Rivalry In Malta

The two dancehall heavyweights will headline a three-day festival in Malta from September 10–13, 2026 in what is being billed as a historic reunion of the legendary Gaza vs. Gully rivalry…

Philkeyz Defends Human Creativity, Says A.I Can’t Replace Real Musicians
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | February 23rd, 2026

Philkeyz Defends Human Creativity, Says A.I Can’t Replace Real Musicians

Philkeyz spoke passionately about the power of intentional artistry and long-term vision in music. Reflecting on his collaborations with Kizz Daniel, Philkeyz described the process as seamless…

“There Are Lots Of BeatMakers But Fewer Producers”- Philkeyz
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | February 23rd, 2026

“There Are Lots Of BeatMakers But Fewer Producers”- Philkeyz

“Sometimes the difference between one artiste and another is simply finance and the right people around them.”

AlorG Celebrates Brotherhood In New Visuals
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | February 20th, 2026

AlorG Celebrates Brotherhood In New Visuals

Ghanaian artiste, AlorG, has unveiled the official music video for his latest single, MY BROTHERS, following the track’s earlier release this year...

Cardi B Surprises Los Angeles Crowd With Tyla Appearance
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | February 20th, 2026

Cardi B Surprises Los Angeles Crowd With Tyla Appearance

American rap superstar, Cardi B, delivered a major surprise during her sold-out LITTLE MISS DRAMA TOUR stop at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, bringing out South African hitmaker Tyla as a special guest...

Popcaan Enstooled As Chief In Asebu Traditional Area
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | February 20th, 2026

Popcaan Enstooled As Chief In Asebu Traditional Area

Jamaican dancehall heavyweight, Popcaan, has been enstooled as a traditional chief in Ghana, strengthening the cultural bridge between the Caribbean and the African continent...

Kojo Antwi Shares The Story Behind MR. MUSIC MAN
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | February 20th, 2026

Kojo Antwi Shares The Story Behind MR. MUSIC MAN

Ghanaian music legend Kojo Antwi, widely known as Mr Music Man, has officially unveiled his long-awaited memoir, MR. MUSIC MAN: THE JOURNEY…

Mayweather & Tyson To Clash In Congo Exhibition Showdown
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | February 20th, 2026

Mayweather & Tyson To Clash In Congo Exhibition Showdown

Boxing legends, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are reportedly set to square off in a blockbuster exhibition bout on April 25, 2026, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Tearful Sherri Shepherd Rises to Tyra Banks’ Defense After Netflix AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL Documentary Sparks Backlash
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | February 20th, 2026

Tearful Sherri Shepherd Rises to Tyra Banks’ Defense After Netflix AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL Documentary Sparks Backlash

In a heartfelt moment on her daytime talk show, Sherri, Emmy‑winning host Sherri Shepherd offered an emotional defense of supermodel and creator Tyra Banks amid the intense backlash triggered by Netflix’s controversial documentary Reality Check: INSIDE AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL. 

The Jennifer Hudson Show Renews for Fifth Season Amid Daytime TV Shake‑Up
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | February 20th, 2026

The Jennifer Hudson Show Renews for Fifth Season Amid Daytime TV Shake‑Up

In a major vote of confidence for the daytime talk show landscape, Fox‑owned television stations have picked up The Jennifer Hudson Show for a fifth season in 2026‑27, continuing a partnership that’s been in place since the series debuted in fall 2022. 

More Similar Videos

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper
music,entertainment | Lerny Lomotey | October 27th, 2025

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper