If you have no idea what younger people mean when they say someone is “mogging” another person, you are not alone.
The slang term has officially been named Collins English Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2026, after its use surged by 210% this year.
Collins defines “mogging” as outperforming or outshining someone or something. It is particularly popular among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who have largely adopted the word playfully or ironically.
What does ‘mogging’ even mean?
Simply put, to “mog” someone is to make them look inferior by comparison. It can refer to appearance, confidence, status, talent or just about anything else.
For example, if someone walks into a party wearing an exceptionally good outfit, a friend might joke that they are “mogging everyone in the room”.
The term can also be used for things rather than people. A new video game could “mog” an older title, or someone’s homemade sourdough could “mog” a friend’s loaf.
It’s often used jokingly rather than as a serious judgement.
Where did ‘mogging’ come from?
The word has a less light-hearted history. Collins says “mogging” is believed to have originated as a shortening of AMOG, meaning “Alpha Male of the Group”.
It emerged around 2016 as a noun in bodybuilding culture, where it was used to refer to the most physically dominant man in a gym.
The term later became a verb and spread through parts of the online manosphere, communities associated with aggressive ideas about masculinity and, in some cases, misogynistic beliefs.
Its meaning has since shifted considerably. Gen Z and Gen Alpha have helped turn “mogging” into humorous internet slang, largely separating it from those earlier subcultures.
How is ‘mogging’ different from ‘looksmaxxing’?
The two terms are closely connected to online discussions about appearance, but they are not quite the same.
Looksmaxxing generally refers to efforts to improve or optimise someone’s appearance.
Mogging, on the other hand, is about the comparison, essentially being so much better-looking, stylish or impressive that someone else looks inferior next to you. The term can now extend well beyond appearance, however.
‘Mogging’ beats the competition
Collins’ lexicographers selected the word after analysing changing patterns of language use. The dictionary said “mogging” entered mainstream usage this year, with its use increasing by 210%.
Collins managing director Alex Beecroft said the word demonstrated how younger generations were shaping the English language.
Other words considered for the 2026 shortlist included “ghost jobs”, referring to advertised vacancies that employers have no intention of filling; “bixie”, a hairstyle between a bob and a pixie cut; and “P(doom)”, an estimate of the probability that AI could cause the collapse of human civilisation.
The shortlist also included “carspreading”, “firewave”, “fricy”, “friendslop”, “hydration break” and “Manchesterism”.
For now, though, “mogging” has outshone them all.
