The new word “delulu,” meaning “K-pop fans who fantasize about dating idols,” has been added to the Cambridge Dictionary.
According to a Guardian report on the 18th (local time), several new words used by young TikTok users were added to the dictionary published by the University of Cambridge this year. In addition to “delulu,” other new words coined by the TikTok generation include “tradwife” and “broligarchy.”
Derived from the word “delusional,” “delulu” first appeared in overseas K-pop fandom communities in the mid-2010s. Fans who believed they could date K-pop idols were called “delulu.” Last year, The Times of London reported on the popularity of “Delulu,” a term used by TikTok users who upload photos of BTS member Jimin and say, “I’m revealing my boyfriend,” and that it was “often used in a lighthearted way in the K-pop world.”
Originally intended as a sarcastic term, the Guardian reported that TikTok users have recently begun using the phrase as a self-affirming meme. For example, they use it in phrases like, “I’m definitely going to pass this exam, Delulu!” and “That guy will like me, because I’m a Delulu.”
The term “Trad Wife” is a portmanteau of “traditional” and “wife,” meaning “traditional wife.” Its meaning is similar to the Korean expression “Hyeonmo-mang-cheo” (a good wife). The Cambridge Dictionary defines “broligarchy” as “a female influencer who emphasizes conservative gender roles, such as caring for husbands and children and dedicating herself to household chores, and who posts images of these roles on social media.”
The term “broligarchy” is a portmanteau of “bro,” meaning brother, and “oligarchy,” referring to an oligarchy dominated by a small group of powerful men. It satirically criticizes the dominance of a small group of powerful men in the IT industry. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a small group of wealthy and politically influential men, especially those who own or run big tech companies.” Prominent examples of “broligarchy” include Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
The Guardian added that other new terms added to the Cambridge Dictionary this year include “mouse jiggler,” a device or software that makes it appear as if a computer is running when it is not, and “work spouse,” a relationship in which two people help and trust each other at work, following the COVID-19 pandemic.
