Entertainment · Books & Arts · 2 hrs ago
Collins names ‘mogging’ its word of the year
Collins English Dictionary named “mogging” its word of the year for 2026.
The slang word means outshining or upstaging someone, often in looks, and can be used as a joke, an insult or a compliment.
It spread among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, both online and in everyday conversation.
Collins says use of the word rose 210% in 2026 as it moved into more mainstream use.
The word has links to online communities focused on appearance and to older slang associated with bodybuilding forums and the manosphere.
Collins studies how often words are used and how their meanings change, so its choice reflects younger generations’ influence on English.
The dictionary has not announced any next steps related to the choice.
Collins English Dictionary has named “mogging” its word of the year.
The slang word means playfully outshining, outperforming or upstaging someone or something.
Its usage increased by 210% in 2026 as it moved into mainstream use.
Collins says the choice reflects how younger generations shape language.
- Who
- Collins English Dictionary named “mogging” its word of the year.
- What
- Mogging” means playfully outshining, outperforming or upstaging someone or something.
- When
- The announcement was reported on 3 November 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Collins said its selection reflects how each generation leaves its mark on language.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The word was associated with bodybuilding forums.
Mogging” went mainstream and its usage increased by 210%.
Collins’ choice of “mogging” as word of the year was reported.
- Word of the year
- Mogging
- Usage increase
- 210% in 2026
- Meaning
- Playfully outshining, outperforming or upstaging someone or something
- Earlier word of the year
- Vibe coding in 2025
- Shortlist
- Ghost job, hydration break, p(doom) and Manchesterism
What people are saying
shows how each generation leaves its mark on language
It's a great example of how Gen Z and Gen Alpha have adopted a word and turned it into humorous slang, making the language their own and 'mogging' the rest of us!