Language is always changing, and the newest update from the Cambridge Dictionary shows just how fresh and inventive modern English can be. On August 18, 2025, the well-respected dictionary revealed the latest batch of word entries, and they clearly show the power of internet culture, social media, and shifting social norms. Two of the entries that have everyone buzzing are “Skibidi” and “Delulu,” both of which have exploded across the digital landscape.
“Skibidi” – A Bit of Noise, Now a Big Idea
The word “Skibidi” might be the biggest surprise in the latest batch of dictionary entries. It came from viral internet memes, especially the “Skibidi Toilet” series, a quirky and highly shareable YouTube animation. What began as a catchy sound and a series of funny toilet-related antics has now migrated far beyond that original silliness.
The dictionary now lists “Skibidi” as:
A playful, nonsensical word that signals absurdity, especially in internet contexts; can also name chaotic or surreal humor.
By welcoming “Skibidi” at this level, the dictionary shows how digital fads can turn casual phrases into accepted vocabulary. Instead of fading with the meme, the word has settled into online chats, tweets, and videos. People use it to label anything from an oddly edited clip to an entire day that feels totally out of control.
Linguists say “Skibidi” keeps the trend going from viral words like “yeet” and “doggo,” showing again how the internet reshapes formal speech.
“Delulu” — Self-Delusion Goes Mainstream
Another breakout term is “Delulu,” a playful twist on “delusional.” It started in K-pop groups to poke fun at fans who get a little too deep into their obsessions, but now it’s popped into everyday chats.
The Cambridge Dictionary now says “Delulu” means:
“Living in a funny or over-the-top state of self-delusion, often marked by cheery denial or ignoring reality.”
Example uses are:
“She’s totally delulu if she thinks the guy will see her from that far away.”
“His delulu belief that he could wing the speech won him the trophy, even though he’s never raced a bike.”
TikTok and Twitter are full of jokes about being in a “delulu era”—a light-hearted choice to daydream beyond reason for the fun of it. Even psychologists are noticing. They say the term, while mostly a laugh, hints at how some of us shield ourselves from life’s piling stress.
Why These Words Matter
When “Skibidi” and “Delulu” landed in the Cambridge Dictionary, it wasn’t just a high-five to meme culture; it showed how language keeps pace with life. Editors noted the terms weren’t fleeting fads; they’d jumped from TikTok comments to grocery store chats.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, one of the lexicographers behind the change, put it simply:
“Language is a living thing, and dictionaries must reflect how people actually communicate. These words have moved beyond niche online spaces into everyday conversations, making them valid entries.”
Other Fresh Additions for 2025
“Skibidi” and “Delulu” might be the headliners, but they’ve got company. Here are a few other newcomers for the 2025 update:
- “Rizz”: Short for charisma, it names the knack of charming people.
- “Beige flag”: A trait that’s not great enough to be a green flag and not bad enough to be a red flag; it’s just mildly quirky.
- “Swiftie”: The official badge for anyone who’s a die-hard Taylor Swift fan.
- “Prompt engineer”: The title for folks who fine-tune AI to get the best answers.
The Future of Internet Slang in Dictionaries
Digital culture keeps reshaping how we talk, and that means more internet slang will keep sliding into official dictionaries. Terms like “Skibidi” and “Delulu” show that a funny meme can level up and claim a spot in real English.
Next time someone calls you “Delulu” for chasing a wild dream, or you label a messy moment “Skibidi,” pause and smile—you’re not just tossing around jokes. You’re helping a living language grow and change.
What do you think of these new entries? Is there another piece of slang you can’t believe isn’t in the dictionary yet? Share your favorites in the comments!
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/18/uk/cambridge-dictionary-new-words-2025-intl-scli
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