‘Mogging’ is Collins’ word of the year… but do you know what it means?

‘Mogging’ is Collins’ word of the year… but do you know what it means?

The Collins English Dictionary has chosen “mogging” as its word of the year, highlighting the term’s rise in popularity. This playful expression, which means to outshine, outperform, or upstage someone, has gained significant traction, especially among Generation Z and Generation Alpha. Its usage surged by 210% in 2026, reflecting its widespread adoption not only in casual conversation but also across online platforms.

Alex Beecroft, managing director at Collins, explained that their lexicographers focus on how frequently words appear and analyze emerging patterns in language use. He remarked, “The selection of mogging as word of the year shows how each generation leaves its mark on language.” Beecroft further noted that mogging exemplifies how younger generations have embraced the term, transforming it into humorous slang that effectively “moggs” others—meaning outshines them in a lighthearted way.

Originally linked to the acronym AMOG (Alpha Male of the Group), the word “mogging” first appeared within bodybuilding communities in the mid-2010s and has associations with the manosphere and incel culture. However, its meaning has expanded to become more mainstream and less serious, often used as either a joking insult or a compliment depending on the context. The term is frequently encountered in “looks maxxing” communities, where members share advice on enhancing physical appeal.

Collins, one of the UK’s leading dictionary publishers, bases its selections on a variety of sources, including social media, to document the ongoing evolution of English. The previous word of the year in 2025 was “vibe coding,” referring to creating apps or websites through verbal descriptions to artificial intelligence rather than manual coding. Other notable shortlisted words included “ghost job” (a job post with no real intent to fill the position), “hydration break” (popularized during the recent World Cup), “p(doom)” (the predicted probability of a civilization collapse aided by AI), and “Manchesterism,” a term associated with the regional devolution agenda combining economic growth with social progress

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