Collins Dictionary Names ‘Mogging’ Word of the Year 2026

LONDON: Collins English Dictionary has named “mogging” as its Word of the Year for 2026. The slang term means outshining, outperforming or upstaging someone or something, and its usage rose by 210 percent in 2026.

What does ‘mogging’ mean?

“Mogging” is popular among Generation Z and Generation Alpha and is often used playfully or ironically. It refers to being noticeably more impressive than someone or something, outperforming them or dominating them, especially in terms of appearance.

Collins lexicographers monitor the 27-billion-word Collins Corpus each year, drawing on words from a range of media sources, including social media. This research forms the basis of the dictionary’s annual list of new and notable words.

Why was it chosen?

Collins managing director Alex Beecroft said choosing “mogging” reflects how each generation leaves its mark on language. He said Gen Z and Gen Alpha had adopted the word, turned it into humorous slang and made the language their own.

The term was also adopted this year by several well-known figures, from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg. According to experts, the word has moved from social media into everyday conversation.

Other words on the list

This year’s shortlist also includes “hydration break” and “Manchesterism.” A hydration break is a pause in a sporting contest allowing players to drink water or other fluids, while Manchesterism is a political philosophy focused on devolving power to regions while combining economic and social progress.

Bixie: A hairstyle shorter than a bob but slightly longer than a pixie cut.

Carspreading: The tendency of carmakers to build vehicles that are longer, wider and heavier.

Firewave: A series of urban wildfires occurring within a short period.

Fricy: Food that is both fruity and spicy.

Friendslop: A low-budget, independently produced video game played among friends.

Ghostjob: A job advertised with no intention of hiring anyone.

P(Doom): An estimate of the probability that artificial intelligence could cause the collapse of human civilisation.