‘Mogging’ is Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2026: Know what it means

The slang term 'mogging' has been named Collins Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2026. It refers to outshining someone, usually in terms of looks, fitness, fashion, or overall presence. The word originated from online manosphere communities where men ranked each other's physical attributes. However, it has since become widely used in casual social media conversations, particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha users.

Dr Mahesh Krishna, an English professor, explains that 'mogging' is often used ironically to describe someone who is upstaged or appears more impressive than others. The rise of 'mogging' as Word of the Year highlights the growing focus on physical appearance and the prevalence of comparisons in internet culture. It reflects how younger generations are engaging with social hierarchies and language, making comparisons seem more normal.