New Delhi: The Cambridge Dictionary, one of the world’s leading English language resources, has announced the addition of over 6,000 new entries to its online edition this year. The latest update reflects the dramatic influence of social media, internet slang, and generational trends, especially those popularised by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, on contemporary English.

Some of the new additions include buzzwords like “skibidi,” a playful nonsense term made famous by the viral YouTube series Skibidi Toilet, and “delulu,” shorthand for “delusional,” typically referring to choosing to believe things that aren’t real or true. Another notable inclusion is “tradwife,” used to describe a woman who embraces traditional domestic roles and shares this lifestyle on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Fashion and pop culture also get a nod: “lewk” now denotes a distinctive fashion look, while “inspo” is accepted as a casual abbreviation of “inspiration.” Technology and pandemic-era remote work shape the vocabulary too, with terms like “mouse jiggler” (software or gadgets used to simulate computer activity) reflecting new workplace realities.

Environmental trends and current affairs have brought in “forever chemicals,” compounds known to persist for years in nature and cause health concerns. Other notable additions include “broligarchy,” meaning a powerful group of tech-oriented men influencing politics and society.

Colin McIntosh, Lexical Programme Manager at Cambridge Dictionary, commented: “Internet culture is changing the English language, and it’s captivating to document these changes in the dictionary. We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power.”