Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- slang /slang/
[noun] – informal language, often used by a particular group of people
The teacher explained that many young people use slang on social media. - filler /FIL-er/
[noun] – a word or sound used in speech to fill a pause or gap, often without real meaning
People sometimes use “um” or “uh” as a filler during conversations. - linguistic /ling-GWIS-tik/
[adjective] – related to language or the study of language
The country has many linguistic differences between regions. - demonstrable /dih-MON-struh-buhl/
[adjective] – able to be shown or proved clearly
The new rule had a demonstrable effect on student behavior. - volatility /vahl-uh-TIL-i-tee/
[noun] – the quality of changing suddenly and unpredictably
The stock market showed high volatility during the economic crisis.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The Cambridge Dictionary announced in 2025 that more than 6,000 new words and expressions have been added to reflect the rapid changes in modern English. Among the most notable additions is the slang word skibidi, a gibberish term originating from a popular animated YouTube series. This expression can mean “cool,” “bad,” or simply function as a humorous filler without clear meaning. Other entries include tradwife, short for “traditional wife,” describing a married mother engaged in domestic roles and social media activity, and delulu, a shortened form of “delusional,” used to describe unrealistic beliefs. The updates illustrate how online platforms, particularly TikTok, have become significant drivers of linguistic innovation. Christian Ilbury, a sociolinguistics lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, explained that some terms, such as delulu, predate their social media fame but gained prominence due to wider digital exposure.
The Cambridge Dictionary reported that decisions on new entries are based on analysis of the Cambridge English Corpus, a database containing billions of words from everyday writing and speech. This resource helps experts evaluate how often a term appears and the situations in which it is used. According to experts, the expansion of vocabulary reveals the influence of internet culture, remote working practices, and environmental concerns. For example, mouse jiggler refers to a device that simulates computer activity during remote work, while forever chemical identifies substances that persist in the environment and pose health risks. Researchers stressed that the dictionary functions as a record of how language is actually used, aiming to document real changes rather than dictate rules. Colin McIntosh, lexical program manager, underlined that only terms with demonstrable “staying power” are selected, ensuring that fleeting trends do not overshadow enduring linguistic shifts. This phenomenon demonstrates both the vibrancy and volatility of contemporary English.
The Cambridge Dictionary reported that decisions on new entries are based on analysis of the Cambridge English Corpus, a database containing billions of words from everyday writing and speech. This resource helps experts evaluate how often a term appears and the situations in which it is used. According to experts, the expansion of vocabulary reveals the influence of internet culture, remote working practices, and environmental concerns. For example, mouse jiggler refers to a device that simulates computer activity during remote work, while forever chemical identifies substances that persist in the environment and pose health risks. Researchers stressed that the dictionary functions as a record of how language is actually used, aiming to document real changes rather than dictate rules. Colin McIntosh, lexical program manager, underlined that only terms with demonstrable “staying power” are selected, ensuring that fleeting trends do not overshadow enduring linguistic shifts. This phenomenon demonstrates both the vibrancy and volatility of contemporary English.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever used a new slang word from social media? If so, which word did you use, and what did it mean? If not, what new word have you heard but never used?
- Have you ever learned a new English word from a video, song, or online post? If so, how did you start using it in daily life? If not, where do you usually learn new English words?
- Do you agree that only words with long staying power should be included in dictionaries?
- What could be the advantages of adding internet slang to dictionaries?
- How do you think English may change in the future because of technology and social media?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- announce
- expression
- social media
- innovation
- analysis