Collins Dictionary Names ‘Mogging’ Word of the Year

Collins Dictionary has named “mogging” its word of the year for 2026, citing a 210% increase in its usage. The term, defined as outshining or dominating someone, particularly in appearance, originated in bodybuilding and online communities before entering mainstream slang among Generations Z and Alpha. Collins’ managing director, Alex Beecroft, stated that the selection reflects how each generation leaves its mark on language, noting that lexicographers analyze both frequency and patterns of usage.

The word’s origins are traced back to the acronym AMOG, standing for Alpha Male of the Group, and its early use in the mid-2010s within bodybuilding forums and the manosphere. However, it has since evolved into a playful compliment or put-down, appearing in looksmaxxing communities, online groups focused on maximizing physical attractiveness. Beecroft added that 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!”

Collins also shortlisted other words reflecting contemporary trends, including “vibe coding”, creating apps by describing them to AI, and “ghost job,” referring to job postings with no intention of hiring. Other terms on the list were Hydration break, p(doom), the probability of AI-aided civilizational collapse, and Manchesterism, linked to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s regional devolution policies. The dictionary draws from sources including social media to track evolving language.

Last year, Collins’ word of the year was “vibe coding,” while Oxford named “rage bait” its word of the year for 2025.

Where they differ

• The Independent highlighted the term 'bixie' as a trending hairstyle, while the BBC did not mention it.
• The Independent noted 'fricy' as a flavour trend (fruity and spicy), a detail absent from the BBC report.
• The BBC included 'peace' and 'six-seven' as children's words of the year, a detail not mentioned by The Independent.

What is not yet known

• The specific methodology used by Collins to determine the 210% increase in ‘mogging’ usage is not detailed.
• The extent to which ‘mogging’ is used in everyday conversation versus solely online remains unspecified.

Background

• Collins Dictionary publishes an annual “word of the year” reflecting language trends, having previously named “vibe coding” in 2025 [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-24].
• The term “mogging” originates from online bodybuilding and “manosphere” communities, initially as the acronym AMOG (Alpha Male of the Group) in the mid-2010s [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-24].
• Maine Senator Susan Collins has been in office since 1997 and has frequently emphasized her independence from the former president [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-07].
• The Independent and the BBC sometimes report differing trending words and phrases, demonstrating varied editorial focus [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-24].

Our reading

Our reading is that Collins Dictionary’s selection of “mogging” as word of the year highlights the increasing influence of online subcultures and Gen Z/Alpha slang on mainstream language. The dictionary’s stated focus on both frequency *and* patterns of usage suggests they see this as more than a fleeting trend. The inclusion of other shortlisted terms, like those relating to AI and regional politics, shows an attempt to capture a broad range of contemporary concerns, but the choice of “mogging” feels particularly focused on generational shifts in expression.

What to watch

• The specific data supporting the claimed 210% increase in “mogging” usage, if released by Collins Dictionary, would confirm or refute the scale of the trend [Collins Dictionary website].
• Tracking the appearance of “mogging” in mainstream media and everyday conversation over the next six months would indicate whether its usage extends beyond online communities [social media monitoring, news databases].
• Monitoring whether other dictionaries adopt similar terms or highlight similar linguistic trends in their own annual selections could reveal broader patterns in language evolution [Oxford Dictionary, Merriam-Webster].

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