Cambridge Dictionary Adds 6,000+ New Gen‑Z and Internet Words

Beginner | August 30, 2025

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A Surge of New Words in the Cambridge Dictionary

On August 18, 2025, the Cambridge Dictionary adds Gen Z slang—more than 6,000 new words that reflect Gen Z and internet culture. The update includes fun, social-media-driven slang like “skibidi,” “delulu,” and “tradwife”. These terms are now officially recognized in one of the world’s most trusted dictionaries. (People.com)

What Do These Words Mean?

Skibidi comes from a viral YouTube series and can mean “cool,” “bad,” or simply be used humorously with no clear meaning.
Delulu is a playful short form for “delusional,” often used when someone believes something unrealistic.
Tradwife describes a traditional wife—someone who enjoys homemaking and often shares that lifestyle online. (People.com)

Why Did Cambridge Dictionary Add Gen Z Slang?

Cambridge says they only include words they believe have “staying power,” showing how deeply internet and youth culture are changing language. Including these terms reflects how digital life influences how people express themselves. The fact that the Cambridge Dictionary adds Gen Z slang highlights how language is adapting to modern communication. (People.com)

What This Means for Learners

For English learners, these updates highlight that language is living and dynamic. It’s not just about grammar rules and old expressions—new words arrive constantly from online spaces, music, and trends. Staying familiar with them helps you understand jokes, posts, and conversations that shape modern culture.

How It Shapes Everyday English

Teachers, professionals, and students now encounter words in work chats and online communities that once only appeared on TikTok or Twitter. Recognizing them in the Cambridge Dictionary means learners can study them with confidence, knowing they are widely accepted. This recognition bridges casual slang with formal learning tools, making the dictionary more relevant.

Whether you find it exciting or confusing, this change shows how swiftly language evolves with culture—as if the dictionary caught up with TikTok overnight!

Vocabulary

Slang (noun) – Informal words or expressions used by particular groups.
Example: “Gen Z slang, like ‘delulu,’ is now in the dictionary.”
Viral (adjective) – Something that spreads quickly, especially online.
Example: “The term ‘skibidi’ became viral after its YouTube videos.”
Recognized (verb) – Officially accepted or acknowledged.
Example: “These new words are now recognized by Cambridge.”
Culture (noun) – Ideas, customs, and social behavior of a group.
Example: “Internet culture heavily influences modern language.”
Playful (adjective) – Lighthearted or fun.
Example: “The word ‘delulu’ is a playful way to say someone is delusional.”
Homemaking (noun) – The activity of managing a home.
Example: “A ‘tradwife’ is someone who loves homemaking.”
Evolve (verb) – To develop gradually.
Example: “Language continues to evolve with society.”
Trust (verb) – To believe in the reliability of someone or something.
Example: “Cambridge is a dictionary we can trust.”
Confusing (adjective) – Hard to understand.
Example: “I found ‘skibidi’ confusing at first!”
Announce (verb) – To make something known publicly.
Example: “Cambridge announced its new dictionary update.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why did Cambridge Dictionary add these new words?
What are the meanings of “skibidi,” “delulu,” and “tradwife”?
Do you think “delulu” is a useful slang term for language learners? Why or why not?
How does the dictionary choose which words to include?
How does the article make you feel about new slang entering formal language?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Should dictionaries include internet slang? Why?
What slang words do you use in your daily life?
How can learning new slang help you understand social media?
Do you think using slang in work or academic settings is appropriate?
How can we keep up with rapidly changing language?

Related Idiom

“Keep up with the times” – To stay current with modern trends.
Example: “Adding ‘delulu’ shows the dictionary is keeping up with the times.”

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This article was inspired by:
People.com, IndiaTimes, AP News