Recently, the term "delulu," derived from "delusional," has gained recognition after being notably used by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Defined as "believing in things that are not real or true, often by choice," this term has officially entered the Cambridge Dictionary, reflecting its rising popularity in modern vernacular.
Alongside "delulu," other words gaining traction this year have ties to well-known public figures. For instance, "skibidi," which gained attention through a viral animated series titled Skibidi Toilet on YouTube, has become synonymous with coolness or a humorous expression, thanks in part to influence from Kim Kardashian.
The term "broligarchy," which fuses "bro" and "oligarchy," defines a powerful group of wealthy men, particularly in the tech sector, who seek political influence. This label was notably applied to tech giants like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk during the January 2025 inauguration of President Trump.
Moreover, "tradwife," popularised by American influencer Hannah Neeleman, refers to a "traditional wife" who usually focuses on domestic responsibilities and child-rearing. This term encapsulates a controversial trend that highlights conventional gender roles and has gained prominence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Colin McIntosh, Cambridge Dictionary’s Lexical Programme Manager, notes that the evolution of internet culture is significantly reshaping the English language. He remarked, "Words like skibidi and delulu making it into the dictionary is not commonplace, but we evaluate their potential longevity before inclusion."
Other notable additions to the lexicon include "inspo," denoting something that inspires action, and "lewk," a unique fashion style popularised by shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race. The increasing influence of internet culture on language underscores a remarkable shift in how we communicate and catalogue new expressions.