From “skibidi” to “tradwife”: The surprising words now in the dictionary
- Replies 0
Language is always evolving.
It shifts and expands with every generation, picking up new words along the way.
If you’ve ever read a grandchild’s text or overheard a meme reference that made you stop and think, you’re not alone.
The English language is growing at a rapid pace, and the newest additions to the Cambridge Dictionary show just how creative—and quirky—modern vocabulary has become.
So, what exactly is a “skibidi”? Why are people talking about “tradwives”?
And what on earth is a “broligarchy”? Let’s take a closer look.
A nonsense word that exploded online thanks to surreal YouTube videos featuring dancing, singing heads.
Today, it’s used to describe something silly, chaotic, or just plain odd.
Example: “My grandson showed me a skibidi clip, and I still don’t know what I watched—but it was funny.”
Short for “traditional wife,” this describes a woman who embraces conventional roles like homemaking and child-rearing, often as a lifestyle choice.
The term sparks plenty of debate, with some seeing it as empowering, while others consider it old-fashioned.
Example: “She calls herself a tradwife and loves sharing vintage recipes online.”
A clever blend of “bro” and “oligarchy,” this word refers to a group of men in power, often excluding others.
It’s a tongue-in-cheek way to call out cliques, whether in workplaces, sports, or even politics.
Example: “The office felt like a broligarchy until more women joined the management team.”
Alongside these, the Cambridge Dictionary also introduced:
Language is a window into culture.
The words we use highlight what we’re laughing about, debating, or living through.
Staying familiar with new vocabulary isn’t just about keeping up with the kids—it’s about staying connected to the world around us.
And honestly, dropping “skibidi” into a family conversation might just earn you some extra cool points.
Here at The GrayVine, we believe you’re never too old to learn something new.
Whether you love crosswords, Scrabble, or simply a good chat, expanding your vocabulary keeps your mind sharp and your conversations lively.
So next time you hear a strange new word, don’t be shy—ask what it means, look it up, or even share it with us.
Language is always changing, and that’s part of the fun!
Read next: Where love begins: 12 first-date stories that you’ll fall in love and laugh with
Have you heard any new words lately that made you laugh, scratch your head, or roll your eyes? Do you have a favorite modern word you wish would disappear forever? Or maybe you’ve even invented a word of your own?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going and our language as lively as ever!
It shifts and expands with every generation, picking up new words along the way.
If you’ve ever read a grandchild’s text or overheard a meme reference that made you stop and think, you’re not alone.
The English language is growing at a rapid pace, and the newest additions to the Cambridge Dictionary show just how creative—and quirky—modern vocabulary has become.
So, what exactly is a “skibidi”? Why are people talking about “tradwives”?
And what on earth is a “broligarchy”? Let’s take a closer look.
New words, new ways to connect—because vocabulary is always growing. Image Source: Pexels / Tima Miroshnichenko.
Skibidi
A nonsense word that exploded online thanks to surreal YouTube videos featuring dancing, singing heads.
Today, it’s used to describe something silly, chaotic, or just plain odd.
Example: “My grandson showed me a skibidi clip, and I still don’t know what I watched—but it was funny.”
Tradwife
Short for “traditional wife,” this describes a woman who embraces conventional roles like homemaking and child-rearing, often as a lifestyle choice.
The term sparks plenty of debate, with some seeing it as empowering, while others consider it old-fashioned.
Example: “She calls herself a tradwife and loves sharing vintage recipes online.”
Also read: Are you spelling it wrong? Discover the most commonly misspelled word in your state!
Broligarchy
A clever blend of “bro” and “oligarchy,” this word refers to a group of men in power, often excluding others.
It’s a tongue-in-cheek way to call out cliques, whether in workplaces, sports, or even politics.
Example: “The office felt like a broligarchy until more women joined the management team.”
Also read: Step back in time: Can you pass this 1920s word challenge?
Other new additions
Alongside these, the Cambridge Dictionary also introduced:
- Bed rotting: Spending long stretches in bed for rest or self-care.
- Goblin mode: Indulging in lazy, messy, or hedonistic habits unapologetically.
- Quiet quitting: Doing only what your job requires—no more, no less.
- Shrinkflation: When products shrink in size but keep the same price tag.
Also read: A pinch of history and a dash of culture: The stories behind your favorite food idioms
Why these words matter
Language is a window into culture.
The words we use highlight what we’re laughing about, debating, or living through.
Staying familiar with new vocabulary isn’t just about keeping up with the kids—it’s about staying connected to the world around us.
And honestly, dropping “skibidi” into a family conversation might just earn you some extra cool points.
Here at The GrayVine, we believe you’re never too old to learn something new.
Whether you love crosswords, Scrabble, or simply a good chat, expanding your vocabulary keeps your mind sharp and your conversations lively.
So next time you hear a strange new word, don’t be shy—ask what it means, look it up, or even share it with us.
Language is always changing, and that’s part of the fun!
Read next: Where love begins: 12 first-date stories that you’ll fall in love and laugh with
Have you heard any new words lately that made you laugh, scratch your head, or roll your eyes? Do you have a favorite modern word you wish would disappear forever? Or maybe you’ve even invented a word of your own?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going and our language as lively as ever!
