In August 2025, the Cambridge Dictionary unveiled its most expansive update yet, adding over 6,000 new words and phrases to reflect the fast-changing landscape of digital communication, pop culture, and social identity. From viral slang to tech-driven terminology, the update offers a fascinating glimpse into how language evolves alongside society.
Words Born from Screens and Streams
Among the most talked-about additions are:
Skibidi: A chaotic, absurd slang term popularized by the viral “Skibidi Toilet” YouTube series. It’s used to describe something bizarre, funny, or nonsensical.
Delulu: A playful abbreviation of “delusional,” often used to describe someone who knowingly embraces unrealistic beliefs — especially in fandoms or online communities.
Tradwife: Short for “traditional wife,” this term refers to women who embrace homemaking and traditional gender roles, often promoted through lifestyle content on social media.
These words aren’t just linguistic curiosities — they reflect deeper cultural movements, from irony-laced humor to revived domestic ideals.
Tech Terms with Environmental Echoes
The update also includes terms that highlight the environmental and ethical implications of modern technology:
Fast Tech: Refers to cheap, mass-produced electronics with short lifespans, contributing to e-waste — a digital parallel to fast fashion.
Technofossil: Describes durable tech waste (like plastic or microchips) that could be unearthed by future civilizations, much like ancient relics.
Digital Decay: The gradual disappearance of online content due to broken links, outdated formats, or platform shutdowns — a reminder of the internet’s impermanence.
These additions underscore how language can capture the environmental costs of our digital habits.
Language as a Mirror of Society
Colin McIntosh, Cambridge’s lexical program manager, noted that “Internet culture is changing the English language, and the effect is fascinating to observe.” The dictionary’s editorial team only adds words that show widespread use and stable meaning — ensuring that each entry reflects genuine shifts in communication.
A Living Lexicon
The 2025 update isn’t just about slang — it’s about identity, technology, and the way we express ourselves in a rapidly changing world. From Gen Alpha’s digital fluency to workplace dynamics like the “work wife,” the new entries offer a snapshot of how language adapts to reflect who we are and how we live.