Cambridge Dictionary Adds 3,200 New Terms to Reflect Modern Language Trends and Slang Across the UK and Beyond

If you find yourself cringing at the latest lingo, brace yourself: the Cambridge Dictionary has just expanded its vocabulary by adding a whopping 3,200 new terms this year.

It’s a mix of trendy expressions that are making waves in our everyday conversations.

One of the standout additions is the term “the ick,” which describes an immediate and intense dislike for someone or something, often triggered by a particular trait.

For instance, you might hear, “I used to like Kevin, but seeing him in that suit gave me the ick,” showing how this phrase can convey a sudden shift in feelings.

Another phrase that’s made the list is “chef’s kiss.”

This one signifies something is perfect and takes inspiration from the gesture of kissing your fingers and then dramatically pulling your hand away, a classic sign of approval in the culinary world.

Trending Phrases and Their Meanings

The dictionary has also embraced “IYKYK,” short for “If you know, you know,” which hints at a shared inside joke.

Alongside this, “boop” has been introduced to describe a gentle touch on the nose or head as a sign of affection or playfulness.

Then there’s “face journey,” a term that depicts a sequence of emotions expressed on someone’s face. Not to be overlooked is “porch piracy,” a term coined for the act of stealing packages left outside homes.

Gaming Lingo Makes the Cut

Gaming terms have also found their way into the dictionary.

Phrases like “speedrun,” which refers to completing a game or level quickly, often by exploiting glitches, and “side quest,” indicating secondary activities within a game, are now part of everyday speech.

These terms are increasingly used to describe rapid task completion and ancillary activities beyond their gaming origins.

Embracing Language Evolution

Wendalyn Nichols, publishing manager at the Cambridge Dictionary, notes, “Language is dynamic, changing right along with technology and culture. Some new terms are added very quickly, and others take time to catch on.

We focus on words and uses that demonstrate staying power, rather than those that might be fleeting.”