From ‘Skibidi’ to ‘Mouse Jiggler’: Cambridge Dictionary Expands with Modern Slang and Social Terms

Published: 18 August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

The Cambridge Dictionary is preparing to add more than 6,000 new words and expressions this year, reflecting the ever-changing influence of internet culture, remote work, and global concerns on modern English. Among the most eye-catching additions are viral slang expressions such as “skibidi,” “tradwife,” and “delulu,” alongside workplace-inspired terms like “mouse jiggler” and environmental references such as “forever chemical.”

One of the most talked-about entries is “skibidi,” a nonsensical word born from the viral YouTube series Skibidi Toilet. The term has quickly become part of online vocabulary, often used to mean “cool,” “bad,” or simply for comic effect without any fixed meaning. The Cambridge Dictionary cited its cultural spread, noting how even Kim Kardashian highlighted the phrase when she shared a birthday gift from her daughter engraved with “skibidi toilet.”

“Internet culture is changing the English language, and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary,” explained Colin McIntosh, lexical programme manager at Cambridge Dictionary. He emphasized that while the additions include trendy expressions, only those with the potential for lasting usage are chosen for inclusion.

Another notable addition is “tradwife,” shorthand for “traditional wife.” The dictionary defines it as a married woman who dedicates herself to household duties such as cooking and childcare, often while sharing her lifestyle on social media. The rise of the term reflects both shifting family dynamics and the way online communities amplify cultural trends.

The word “delulu,” a shortened form of “delusional,” has also gained recognition. Popular in online conversations, particularly among younger users, it refers to believing things that are not real or true, usually by choice. McIntosh noted that such shortened forms are now a natural part of modern language evolution.

Cambridge Dictionary relies on the Cambridge English Corpus, a vast database of more than two billion words, to track how new terms are used, how frequently they appear, and the contexts in which they emerge. This allows linguists to determine whether a word is likely to endure or fade as a passing fad.

The pandemic and the rise of remote working also gave birth to new workplace-related entries. “Mouse jiggler,” for instance, refers to a device or software that moves a computer’s cursor to give the impression of activity while the user is away from their desk. The phrase has gained widespread recognition in the context of flexible and hybrid work environments.

Other creative combinations include “broligarchy,” a blend of “bro” and “oligarchy,” which describes a powerful circle of wealthy men, often linked to the tech industry, who wield significant social and political influence. This term gained traction when commentators described Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg attending Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration as emblematic of such a group.

Additionally, the dictionary has acknowledged evolving workplace relationships with terms such as “work wife” and “work spouse,” reflecting bonds of trust and support between colleagues who are not romantically involved but share close professional partnerships.

McIntosh concluded that these additions not only enrich the dictionary but also serve as a mirror of societal change. “It’s not every day you see words like ‘skibidi’ and ‘delulu’ enter the Cambridge Dictionary. But when we add them, it’s because we believe they will have staying power and reflect real shifts in how language is used across different communities.”

The expansion underscores how language continues to evolve, shaped by digital culture, social identity, global crises, and the everyday realities of modern life.