BTS star Jimin's popular word 'Delulu' gets dictionary entry; cements his status as a cultural icon

BTS member Jimin continues to showcase his extensive global popularity and cultural ripple effects. On August 18, 2025, prominent international outlets highlighted Cambridge University's latest dictionary update, which incorporated various neologisms trending among Gen Z and Alpha users on TikTok.

Notably, the word 'delulu,' popularized by Jimin within K-pop communities, earned a spot, capturing widespread interest. 'Delulu' stems from 'delusional,' denoting fanciful or overly imaginative beliefs. It originated in the mid-2010s among international K-pop fan groups, commonly applied in a playful manner to fans who daydream about romantic connections with idols. This term's journey from niche fandom jargon to official lexicon underscores the dynamic evolution of language driven by online youth culture.

Jimin's role in making 'delulu' popular

Jimin, a key figure in the internationally acclaimed K-pop ensemble BTS, played a central role in mainstreaming 'delulu.' Reports from The Times in the UK last year described how TikTok enthusiasts shared Jimin's images with captions claiming him as their boyfriend, embodying the term's humorous essence in K-pop fandoms. Such trends amplified its visibility, transforming it into a broader cultural reference.

His engaging personality and warm fan interactions have cultivated a massive, devoted following, sparking creative expressions like memes and slang. For example, his signature affectionate behaviours, including frequent hugs, have inspired positive viral imitations, which cited them as prime examples of uplifting social phenomena extending beyond music scenes.The dictionary entry was revealed in 2025, with origins rooted in digital spaces during the 2010s, particularly in English-speaking online communities fueled by K-pop's worldwide appeal.

Cultural significance and broader implications

How does 'delulu' reflect larger trends? The term exemplifies how fan-driven language from K-pop can permeate mainstream usage, blending humor with fantasy in social media dialogues. Jimin's influence extends this by bridging cultural gaps, encouraging lighthearted self-expression among diverse global audiences.Unlike fleeting internet slang, delulu's inclusion in a prestigious dictionary like Cambridge's validates its staying power, highlighting K-pop artists' capacity to shape linguistic landscapes.

This development aligns with ongoing globalization of pop culture, where idols like Jimin foster innovative, cross-border communication styles.

Enduring influence on youth

In essence, Jimin's association with 'delulu' not only cements his status as a cultural icon but also illustrates the power of celebrity in evolving everyday vocabulary. As K-pop continues to influence global trends, such dictionary recognitions affirm the genre's role in enriching modern lexicons with playful, imaginative terms.

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