Brainrot words have taken over more than just group chats and TikTok captions; they have now entered classrooms, hallways, and even the official pages of the Cambridge Dictionary. The latest update includes three words that many students already know by heart: tradwife, skibidi, and delulu.
The term “tradwife” is a portmanteau of the words “traditional” and “wife,” and refers to a movement of women who invite the idea of a ‘traditional’ lifestyle, almost mirroring the domestic lives women typically led during the 1950s.
“Skibidi,” which grew in popularity from a YouTube account, has no meaning whatsoever. Instead of “delusion,” students are opting for the term “delulu.” Delulu seems to be not just an adjective but also a mindset. As if things are highly unattainable, but there’s a small glimmer of hope.
What started as casual slang now holds the same status as everyday terms, making teachers and students wonder whether the internet is writing the dictionary for them. Here is what some PPCHS students think of the new additions:
“I think it’s wild that [brainrot words are] now inside of a dictionary and everything because they’re considered actual words. I talk this way mostly around my friends or if I’m just meeting somebody; I have to show them my personality.” – Shay Didio-Vargas, freshman
“I think ‘delulu’ is very old. I like the word ‘skibidi’ a lot. I use that word often; I’ve used skibidi [on a standardized exam] before. It’s not hard. You could say, ‘This study is so skibidi’ or ‘the patient is so delulu that she has schizophrenia.’ – Diego Padilla, senior
“It’s a different vocabulary, and it’s being spread. I think it’s very positive. I also think they are just on time; it stays with our [generation]. If I were a grader and saw brainrot on an exam, I would laugh. You should laugh because it’s silly.” – Douglas Sorto, junior
“My girlfriend [initially] spread the brainrot. I think these words are very influential and emotional. I feel like tests are very boring, and I want to have fun while taking my test so I spread the joy.” – Gabriel Mercier, junior
“I think ‘labubu’ got snubbed, to be honest, and I think it was a robbery. Nobody uses ‘delulu’ anymore, so why even add it? If I use it on a test, they’d better accept it. I do think it would be appropriate to use them in sentences. My favorite brainrot word is ‘lava chicken.’” – Edmer Baker, senior
“I didn’t even think ‘skibidi’ was an actual word. I can see where ‘delulu’ comes from because it means you are crazy. It definitely gives more flavor to people’s vocabulary.” – Sapphire Blake, sophomore
The presence of skibidi, delulu, and tradwife in a global dictionary illustrates some degree of evolution in modern language. Teachers and parents have all seen the development of the slang becoming much larger than before.
