Dictionary Names 'Mogging' 2026 Word of the Year

The English language has officially absorbed a term used by young people to describe being outshone. Collins Dictionary named “mogging” its word of the year on Tuesday, marking a shift in how slang enters standard definitions. The word, which means to outshine someone, has moved from niche internet culture into mainstream usage.

Usage data shows a 210% increase in the term's frequency in 2026. Dictionary experts noted that the word is typically employed in a playful and ironic manner when an individual is upstaged. This rapid adoption indicates that the phrase has crossed the threshold from casual slang to recognized vocabulary for a wide audience.

Alex Beecroft, the managing director of Collins, stated that the selection demonstrates how each generation leaves its mark on language. He noted that Gen Z and Gen Alpha have adopted the word and turned it into humorous slang. Beecroft added that this process allows these groups to make the language their own, effectively “mogging” the older generations.

The annual list also includes terms reflecting recent societal and technological trends. “Firewaves” describes a series of urban wildfires occurring in a short period. “P(doom)” is defined as the estimated probability that artificial intelligence will cause the collapse of human civilization.

Other new entries address specific consumer behaviors and labor market quirks. “Carspreading” refers to the trend of manufacturers building vehicles that are longer, wider, and heavier. “Fricy” describes trendy food or drinks that combine fruity and spicy flavors.

The list also features “ghost jobs,” which are positions advertised without the intent to hire anyone. “Friendslop” describes low-budget, independently produced video games played among friends. Collins experts compile these entries by monitoring a 27-billion-word database that draws from sources including social media.