Collins Dictionary Names ‘Mogging’ Its Word Of The Year 2026 As Gen Z Slang Goes Mainstream

Collins Dictionary has named “mogging,” a slang term used to describe outshining or overshadowing someone, as its Word of the Year for 2026. The expression, which has gained popularity among younger generations, reflects how internet culture and Gen Z slang continue to influence everyday English.

Announcing its choice on Tuesday, dictionary experts said “mogging” has experienced a 210% increase in usage this year. The word is particularly popular among young people, who often use it “in a playful and ironic way when someone is upstaged.” Its growing presence in mainstream conversations helped secure its place at the top of the annual list, according to the Associated Press.

Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins, said the selection highlights how different generations contribute to the evolution of language.

“It’s a great example of how Gen Z and Gen Alpha have adopted a word and turned it into humorous slang, making the language their own and ‘mogging’ the rest of us,” he said.

Beecroft added that choosing the term demonstrates how each generation develops its own expressions and leaves a distinct mark on the English language.

What Other Words Made It To Collins Dictionary’s 2026 List?

Alongside “mogging,” Collins Dictionary has highlighted several other emerging expressions that reflect changes in technology, society, food culture and everyday life.

Among the notable additions is “P(doom),” a term referring to an estimate of the probability that artificial intelligence could cause the collapse of human civilization. The expression reflects growing conversations around the potential risks associated with increasingly advanced AI systems.

Another addition is “firewaves,” which describes a succession of urban wildfires occurring within a short period. The term captures a particular pattern of destructive fires affecting urban areas.

The 2026 list also features “carspreading,” referring to the growing tendency of automobile manufacturers to produce vehicles that are increasingly longer, wider and heavier.

Food enthusiasts might recognise “fricy,” a word used to describe fashionable food and drinks that combine fruity and spicy flavours.

Two other additions highlight developments in employment and gaming culture. “Ghost jobs” refers to job advertisements posted by employers who have no actual intention of hiring anyone for the advertised positions. Meanwhile, “friendslop” describes a category of inexpensive, independently developed video games designed to be played with friends.

How Collins Dictionary Selects Its Word Of The Year

Collins Dictionary’s annual selection is based on how language changes and which expressions gain popularity in everyday communication.

Its language experts monitor a 27-billion-word database, drawing material from a wide range of sources, including social media. By tracking emerging expressions and changes in word usage, the team identifies terms that capture significant cultural, technological and social developments.

The inclusion of “mogging” highlights the growing influence of younger generations on contemporary English, particularly through online communities and social media platforms. Its journey from internet slang to mainstream vocabulary also demonstrates how expressions that begin within specific age groups can eventually become part of everyday language.