The expression playfully describes outshining, dominating, or upstaging someone, particularly regarding their physical appearance, and serves as either a compliment or a lighthearted put-down. Although it originated in mid-2010s bodybuilding and manosphere forums from the acronym AMOG, meaning "Alpha Male of the Group," it has spread through online "looksmaxxing" communities and general speech. Lexicographers noted the choice reflects evolving linguistic patterns after monitoring social media and conversation trends.
Key points
Members of Generations Z and Alpha have adapted the term into mainstream use to describe…: Members of Generations Z and Alpha have adapted the term into mainstream use to describe outshining others physically.
Lexicographers chose the expression to highlight how younger generations successfully tra…: Lexicographers chose the expression to highlight how younger generations successfully transform niche subculture terms into lighthearted slang.
The 2026 shortlist featured several other cultural phrases, including "ghost job," "hydra…: The 2026 shortlist featured several other cultural phrases, including "ghost job," "hydration break," "p(doom)," and "Manchesterism."
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"Mogging", a word used playfully to mean outshining, outperforming or upstaging someone or something, has been named as word of the year by the Collins English Dictionary.
A fast-growing slang word among members of Generations Z and Alpha - both online and in everyday conversation - mogging went mainstream in 2026 with a 210% increase in its usage.
Collins' managing director Alex Beecroft said its lexicographers look at "how often words are used" and also "analyse patterns of usage" that reveal the latest linguistic trends.
The selection of mogging as word of the year, he said, "shows how each generation leaves its mark on language".
He added: "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!"
Mogging - not to be confused with mugging or mugging someone off - refers to outshining or dominating someone, most often in looks.
You may even have mogged someone or been mogged yourself over the past 12 months.
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