“Mogging”, a tongue-in-cheek word that Gen Z and Gen Alpha gleefully use to imply superiority or superiority to someone or something, has been named Word of the Year for 2026 by Collins English Dictionary.
Collins said in a press release on Tuesday that the internet slang term “mogging” has fended off stiff competition with unparalleled flamboyance to claim the top spot with a staggering 210% usage jump in 2026.
But those aren’t the words to describe the first rodeo of the year. In fact, according to another blog published by Collins, the term “mogging” has been around for about a decade, but its meaning has changed over that time.
Believed to be derived from the acronym for “AMOG,” or “alpha male of the group,” the word was previously used in bodybuilding culture as a noun to describe the strongest, most physically dominant male in the gym, the blog notes. It was then converted into a verb and briefly adopted by the manosphere.
Over the past 12 months, ‘mogging’ has become something of a fad, and has come to define the act of outing.
Were you proud of the weird homemade cupcakes you brought to a dinner party until your friend was overjoyed with your three-tiered masterpiece?
Were you pretty happy with your vintage outfit until you found yourself on the subway next to an effortlessly cool commuter wearing designer clothes?
Collins lexicographers monitor an astonishing 27 billion words a year. Managing director Alex Beecroft said in a release that the experts not only track the frequency of word usage, but also analyze usage patterns.
“The selection of ‘mogging’ as Collins’ word of the year shows how each generation has left its mark on language,” Beecroft said.
“This is a great example of how Gen Z and Gen Alpha have adopted words, turned them into humorous slang, made the language their own, and made the rest of us ‘mog’.” ”
So, what are the words being mogged for this year’s coveted title?
As is often the case, many of the shortlisted words were born in response to events that dominated culture and current events.
A “firewave” refers to several wildfires that occur in a town or city over a short period of time after a period of hot, dry weather.
Meanwhile, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ‘hydration breaks’ entered the global lexicon as soccer matches were interrupted with breaks for players to have drinks. Organizers announced the new routine to keep athletes hydrated in the sweltering heat in the host countries of the United States, Mexico and Canada, but fans derided it as a disguised advertising break.
This year marks a key moment in British politics, when ‘Manchesterism’ was named to the shortlist. Manchesterism, a political philosophy led by British Prime Minister and former Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, includes regional devolution of power and links economic growth to social progress.
But Mr Burnham has taken on a bit of a “mumble” responsibility himself this year, having managed to unseat former Labor leader Keir Starmer from the top job and step into the role himself.
