Collins Dictionary selects 'mogging' as 2026 word of the year

Collins Dictionary announced on Tuesday that "mogging" is its word of the year for 2026. The selection recognizes a slang term that has moved into mainstream English usage.

Dictionary experts reported that the word saw a 210% increase in usage during 2026. The term describes the act of outshining someone or something. It is frequently used by young people in a playful and ironic manner when someone is upstaged.

Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins, stated that the choice demonstrates how each generation leaves its mark on language. He noted that Gen Z and Gen Alpha adopted the term and turned it into humorous slang. "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," Beecroft said.

The annual list also includes several other new entries. "Firewaves" is defined as a series of urban wildfires occurring in a short space of time. "P(doom)" refers to an estimation of the probability that artificial intelligence will bring about the collapse of human civilization. The list also features "carspreading," which describes the trend of manufacturers building cars that are longer, wider, and heavier.

Other terms on the 2026 list include "fricy," which describes trendy food or drinks that are both fruity and spicy. The dictionary also added "ghost jobs," a term for positions advertised with no intention to appoint anyone. "Friendslop" was included to describe low-budget, independently produced video games played among friends.

Collins experts monitor a 27-billion-word database to create the list. The database draws from various sources, including social media, to reflect current English language trends.