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.
‘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. Comprehension quiz
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The new word ‘delulu’ most nearly means:
A: Being very busy and overworked.
B: Feeling angry about a pay rise.
C: Believing things that are not real or true.
D: Using a device to trick your boss.
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Which word is the closest synonym for ‘neutral’?
A: Biased
B: Worried
C: Opinionated
D: Impartial
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Place the most appropriate new word in this sentence: “My friend thinks that Pluto is bigger than Earth. She is so ….”
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According to the article, what is a ‘broligarchy’?
A: A group of women who stay at home to look after their children.
B: A group of rich and powerful men in the technology business.
C: A team of people who work for the Cambridge Dictionary.
D: A group of people who hate new words being added to the dictionary.
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What is the Cambridge Dictionary team’s main role when adding new words?
A: To judge whether the new words are good or bad.
B: To make sure old words do not disappear.
C: To observe and record new words without passing judgment.
D: To invent their own new words.
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The article mentions some old words that experts are worried might disappear. Name one of these old words.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. C 2. D 3. Delulu 4. B 5. C 6. Possible answers include "mamouchi", "frowst" or "hunch-weather".
Glossary
Miserable - Sad.
Dictionary - A book with a big list of words and their meanings.
Lavatories - Another word for toilets or washrooms, places where people go to relieve themselves.
Hunched - Sitting or standing with your shoulders raised and your body bent forward.