Collins Dictionary has named “mogging” as its word of the year for 2026.
The slang term means to outshine or upstage someone or something. Dictionary experts revealed that usage of the word surged by 210 per cent this year.
Young people most often use the word playfully and ironically. The term has now officially entered mainstream language across the globe.
Collins managing director Alex Beecroft highlighted the linguistic impact of younger generations. He noted that Gen Z and Gen Alpha transformed the word into humorous slang. He added that the younger demographic effectively outshined older generations with their adoption of the term.
Lexicographers analyze a massive 27-billion-word database to select the annual list. The database continuously monitors social media and other public sources to track language evolution.
The dictionary also highlighted several other notable new entries for 2026. Experts included “firewaves” to describe a series of rapid urban wildfires.
They also selected “P(doom)” as a term. The expression estimates the probability of artificial intelligence causing human civilization’s collapse.
Automotive trends influenced the list through the addition of “carspreading”. The term describes the tendency of manufacturers to build larger and heavier vehicles.
Food culture contributed “fricy” to the list. The word describes trendy food or drinks that combine fruity and spicy flavors.
The update also acknowledged modern workplace and gaming phenomena. Lexicographers added “ghost jobs” to represent job advertisements with no hiring intent.
Finally, the dictionary included “friendslop”. The term refers to low-budget, independent video games that friends play together.
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