Mogging named Collins word of the year for 2026
Slang term meaning to outshine someone rises to the top of the dictionary's annual list. Its selection reflects how younger generations are shaping everyday English.
Key points
- Collins English Dictionary has chosen mogging as its word of the year
- The term saw a 210% increase in usage during 2026, according to the publisher
- Mogging means outshining or upstaging someone, most often in looks
- Last year's winner was vibe coding, the practice of building apps by describing them to AI
The Collins English Dictionary has chosen “mogging” as its word of the year, according to BBC News. The playful slang term describes outshining, outperforming or upstaging someone or something. It is most often used to compare looks.
According to the publisher, the term became widespread during 2026, and its use climbed by 210%. Alex Beecroft, Collins’ managing director, said the selection shows how each generation shapes language. He said Gen Z and Gen Alpha had picked up the word and reshaped it into a joke-filled slang term.
What the word means
The word should not be mixed up with mugging, which is a separate term with an unrelated meaning. Young people in Generation Z and Generation Alpha use it a great deal, both on the internet and in everyday talk. Many people will have mogged someone, or been mogged themselves, in the past year.
Its origins are often linked to AMOG, a shorthand for Alpha Male of the Group. Around the middle of the 2010s, the word appeared on muscle-building discussion boards. It has also been tied to the manosphere and incel communities.
Today it is more commonly heard as either a light insult or a compliment, depending on the situation. It also features in looksmaxxing communities, which are online groups where members exchange tips on boosting their physical appeal.
How Collins chooses its word
Collins is one of the UK’s leading dictionary publishers. Its lexicographers track how frequently words appear in use. They also examine patterns of usage that point to emerging trends.
The publisher draws on many sources, including social media, to follow how English is changing in the UK from year to year. Last year’s winner was “vibe coding”. The phrase refers to building a program or web page by explaining the goal to AI, instead of typing out programming code by hand.
Other words on the shortlist
The 10-strong shortlist also featured several other terms. “Ghost job” refers to a vacancy an employer advertises with no plan to fill it, a situation many jobseekers recognise. “Hydration break” was linked by the BBC to this year’s World Cup.
“P(doom)” is an estimate of the probability that AI could bring about the collapse of civilisation. “Manchesterism” is linked to Prime Minister Andy Burnham by the BBC. It concerns handing more power to the regions while pursuing economic growth alongside social progress.
Frequently asked questions
What does mogging mean?
Mogging is a playful word. It describes outshining or upstaging another person or thing, and most often refers to looks. It can be used as a light put-down or a compliment.
Why did Collins choose mogging?
Collins said mogging became widespread in 2026, with a 210% increase in usage. Its managing director said the choice showed how each generation shapes language.
What was the 2025 word of the year from Collins?
The 2025 word of the year was vibe coding. It refers to building software by explaining the goal to artificial intelligence.
Sources
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