‘Skibidi’ gets a dictionary definition

Weird and wonderful?: The first episode of Skibidi Toilet was released online in February 2023; since then, it has become a worldwide phenomenon.

Is language always getting better? Thousands of new words — many from the internet — have been added to the Cambridge Dictionary over the past year. But others are disappearing.

Comprehension quiz

The word “tradwife” in this context means:

A: A woman who trades traditional crafts on social media.

B: A married woman who adopts a traditional homemaker role.

C: A wife who is a professional trader.

D: A woman who is critical of traditional values.
Which word is the closest synonym for “neutral”?

A: Interested

B: Impartial

C: Critical

D: Creative
According to the lexicographer Colin MacIntosh, what is the main reason for the English language changing?

A: The influence of other languages.

B: The publication of new books.

C: The effect of internet culture.

D: The revival of old words.
Why does the article mention Jonathan Swift?

A: To show that he supported the creation of new words.

B: To prove that new words always improve the language.

C: To highlight that he was a famous lexicographer.

D: To demonstrate that worries about the decline of English have existed for a long time.
According to the article, what is a “mouse jiggler” used for?
In your own words, summarise the two opposing viewpoints in the article about the creation of new words.

Answers

Tap to reveal

1. B 2. B 3. C 4. D 5. It is used to make it look like you are working on a computer when you are not. 6. One viewpoint is negative, with some people deploring the new words and seeing them as a form of "brainrot" or a decline in the quality of the English language. The opposing viewpoint sees the new words as fun and views language change as a natural process that has been happening for centuries.

‘Skibidi’ gets a dictionary definition

Comprehension quiz

Answers

Glossary

Continue Reading