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‘Mogging’ is Collins’ word of the year… but do you know what it means?
Collins English Dictionary has named “mogging” its word of the year, reflecting how slang used by younger generations has entered everyday conversation. The choice highlights the way language evolves as Gen Z and Gen Alpha adopt and reshape words.
“Mogging” means outshining or upstaging someone, often in appearance, and its usage rose by 210% in 2026. It is commonly used playfully, either as a compliment or a put-down, though the term has links to online bodybuilding and manosphere communities. Collins’ shortlist also included “ghost job”, “hydration break”, “p(doom)” and “Manchesterism”; its 2025 choice was “vibe coding”.
In short
- Collins named “mogging” its 2026 word of the year.
- The slang term means outshining or upstaging someone.
- Its usage increased by 210% over the year.
Explained simply
Slang often begins in specific online communities before spreading through social media and everyday conversation. Younger people can help popularise or reshape words, while dictionaries track some of these changes as part of how English develops.
“Mogging” is used to describe one person outshining or upstaging another, often in appearance. It can be meant playfully, as praise or teasing, but the term also has links to online bodybuilding and manosphere communities, where appearance and social status are discussed.