From Meme to Lexicon: Why ‘Skibidi’ is Now in the Cambridge Dictionary

In a move that has both baffled and amused the internet, the Cambridge Dictionary has officially added the term “skibidi” to its lexicon. This decision, announced in a new post, has been met with a mix of disbelief and fascination from language enthusiasts and gamers alike. According to the dictionary’s team of “word boffins” (language experts), the word, which originated from the viral YouTube series Skibidi Toilet, has demonstrated enough “staying power” and cultural significance to earn its place alongside more traditional terms.

The term “skibidi,” which is a gibberish-like lyric from the song “Dom Dom Yes Yes” that became the theme for the animated series, has evolved far beyond its original context. The videos, which depict an endless conflict between sentient toilets and camera-headed individuals, have amassed billions of views and have spawned a global cultural phenomenon, particularly among younger audiences.

The Criteria for Inclusion

The Cambridge Dictionary, like other major dictionaries, does not add words on a whim. The process is a careful one, driven by data and observation of how a word is used in the real world. According to the dictionary’s blog post, a word must meet several key criteria to be considered for inclusion:

• Widespread Use: The word must be used frequently and by a large number of people across different platforms and contexts. “Skibidi” has been used in countless memes, social media posts, and conversations since the series exploded in popularity.
• Meaningful Use: The word has to have a discernible, agreed-upon meaning, even if it’s a simple one. While “skibidi” is primarily a nonsense word, it is now universally understood to refer to the Skibidi Toilet series and the subculture around it.
• Staying Power: This is a crucial criterion. The word must be more than just a fleeting trend. The Cambridge Dictionary’s experts believe that “skibidi” has demonstrated a longevity that sets it apart from other viral phrases that fade away within weeks.

The dictionary’s official entry for “skibidi” is defined as an “informal term for anything related to the viral video series Skibidi Toilet, especially the characters or themes.”

A Reflection of Language’s Evolution

This decision by the Cambridge Dictionary is a reflection of how rapidly and dynamically modern language evolves, driven by internet culture and social media. It highlights the increasingly important role that digital media, particularly platforms like TikTok and YouTube, play in shaping our vocabulary.

While some may see the inclusion of a seemingly nonsensical term as a trivialization of language, lexicographers would argue the opposite. The inclusion of “skibidi” is a testament to its cultural impact and its ability to communicate a specific set of ideas and references to a global audience. It is, in its own way, a new form of communication that deserves to be documented.

So, as a new generation of children and teenagers continues to shout “skibidi dop dop yes yes” into their phones, they can rest assured that their unique form of expression is now officially recognized by one of the most respected authorities on the English language.