Collins names 'mogging' its word of the year for 2026 after 210% rise

Collins names 'mogging' its word of the year for 2026

Collins English Dictionary has named 'mogging' its word of the year for 2026. The playful word means outshining, outperforming or upstaging someone or something, most often in terms of looks. Collins said the word went mainstream in 2026, with a 210% increase in its usage. Managing director Alex Beecroft said the lexicographers look at how often words are used and analyse patterns of usage to find the latest linguistic trends. He said the choice shows 'how each generation leaves its mark on language'. Collins draws on a corpus of 27 billion words that includes social media to track how English is evolving in the UK each year.

From online slang to everyday conversation

Generation Z and Generation Alpha have driven the word's growth, using it both online and in everyday conversation as a form of playful teasing among friends. The word is often traced to the acronym AMOG, which stands for Alpha Male of the Group. Earlier uses were linked to bodybuilding forums in the mid-2010s, as well as to the manosphere and incels. Today it works as a playful put-down or a compliment, depending on the context. It is also seen and heard in looksmaxxing communities, online groups where people swap advice on maximising their physical attractiveness.

Other words on the 2026 shortlist

The dictionary's shortlist had ten words, and last year's winner was 'vibe coding', the practice of making an app or website by describing it to artificial intelligence rather than writing code by hand. A 'ghost job' is a position an employer posts with no intention of appointing anyone. A 'hydration break', made famous by the 2026 World Cup, is a pause in a sporting contest to allow the players to drink fluids. P(doom) is the estimated probability of an AI-aided collapse of civilisation. 'Manchesterism', linked to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, refers to devolving power to the regions while combining economic growth with social progress, and its use surged after his appointment as prime minister.

Lifestyle and gaming terms in the wider list

The wider Collins word list also includes terms from lifestyle and gaming. 'Car mogged' describes being outshone by a car, a idea tied to 'carspreading', the tendency of manufacturers to build cars that are longer, wider and heavier. 'Fricy' describes food or drinks that are both fruity and spicy, such as spicy margaritas and Thai papaya salad. A 'bixie' is a haircut shorter than a bob but longer than a pixie cut. 'Friendslop' refers to a type of low-budget, independently produced video game played among friends.