How many of these words have you ever heard?
TikTok slang is now classroom-approved The English language just got a TikTok twist! This month, the
Cambridge Dictionary added more than 6,000 new words and meanings, many borrowed from memes, fandoms, and of course, TikTok timelines. Words like delulu (short for “delusional”), skibidi (a silly nonsense sound), and lewk (a fabulous fashion look) are now officially part of “proper” English.
For students, these aren’t just words — they’re shortcuts to feelings. “Delulu is when I convince myself I’ll get 95 in maths even though I hardly studied,” laughs Shayan Dotiwalla, a 19-year-old from Pune. Ayaan S adds, “Skibidi means nothing. If my pen stops, I go ‘skibidi.’ If my friend fails physics, also ‘skibidi.’”
But the real fun begins when parents and grandparents join in. “My daughter said my sari was giving a lewk. I thought she meant I looked odd. Turns out it was a compliment!” says Kareena Desai, a kindergarten teacher. One dad joked, “My son called me delulu because I still think Virat will return to
cricket!”
Dr Mohika Patel, specialist in language histology says “words like “slay” and “rizz,” have been around. Teens revive them, TikTok spreads them, and elders pick them up.”
Other ‘in’ words Tradwife – short for traditional wife. Inspo is inspiration. Broligarchy-rule by few tech, powerful people. Snakable- easy to eat as a snack. Mouse jiggler software that k e e p s computers from s l e e p i n g . Workwife – platonic female colleague. And Work Spouse is a nonromantic colleague!
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