The rising pop culture trends via TikTok, YouTube, and online memes have accelerated the evolution of language more than ever. This year, the Cambridge Dictionary officially added over 6,000 new words, one of which has people laughing, rolling their eyes, and wondering what timeline we’re living in.
Among the recent additions is the viral slang word “skibidi,” which gained popularity through bizarre internet memes and the Skibidi Toilet YouTube series. For some, it demonstrates how digital culture is influencing everyday English. For others, it indicates that the language has evolved into a TikTok comment section, as per a report by The Mirror.
Many of the terms are derived from TikTok and meme culture, which has sparked debate online. While some welcome the changes, others believe English is losing meaning in the age of internet slang.
Where did the term “skibidi” come from?
The term originated with the surreal YouTube series Skibidi Toilet, which became popular among Gen Alpha viewers. The early videos featured a human head emerging from a toilet and singing to a remix of Biser King’s “Dom Dom Yes Yes” while animated characters danced, as per a report by The Mirror.
Over time, the meme evolved into a bizarre fictional universe in which “toilets” battle robotic characters known as Cameramen and Speakermen. It may appear absurd, but the internet couldn’t get enough of it, and the phrase “skibidi” became a playful, nonsense term that slipped into online slang.
ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 17 Air and Pro get surprise release date change — here’s the new timeline
What other new words have been added?
“Skibidi” isn’t the only internet-related term making the cut. Cambridge also included:
Tradwife – A “traditional wife,” usually referring to women who take on a homemaker role by cooking, cleaning, and caring for their families.
Delulu – Short for “delusional,” which means believing something that is unrealistic or false; it is frequently used in a lighthearted, humorous context.
Mouse jiggler – A device or software that moves a computer mouse slightly, fooling employers into believing someone is actively working, as per a report by The Mirror.
Forever chemical – A harmful substance that remains in the environment for decades and is nearly impossible to remove.
Each of these reflects real-world changes, ranging from online communities and work-from-home culture to rising environmental concerns.
Why is the dictionary including internet slang?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, all new entries are chosen for their long-term impact. The Cambridge English Corpus, a database containing over 2 billion words, is used by the organization to monitor how language evolves in real-world conversations, online platforms, and media, as per a report by The Mirror.
Colin McIntosh, a lexical program manager at Cambridge, stated that “Internet culture is changing the English language, and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary.” “We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power,” as per a report by The Mirror.
How are the people reacting to this move?
Nonetheless, the decision has sparked numerous jokes and skepticism online.
One X user commented, I can’t believe this they’ve just announced they’re adding the word ‘skibidi’ to the official Cambridge Dictionary what timeline is this???”
lmfao I can’t believe this they’ve just announced they’re adding the word ‘skibidi’ to the official Cambridge Dictionary 😭 what timeline is this??? pic.twitter.com/woA6lKFltN
— poopernoodle (@poopernoodle) August 18, 2025
Another user wrote: “Congratulations English is no longer a language, it’s a TikTok comment section.”
ALSO READ: Orca attack mystery: What really happened to marine trainer Jessica Radcliffe
FAQs
What exactly does “skibidi” mean?
It’s a slang word that can mean “cool,” “bad,” or nothing at all, and is frequently used as a joke.
Where did the term “skibidi” come from?
It gained popularity through the Skibidi Toilet YouTube series, in which characters sing and battle in bizarre animated videos.
