Collins Dictionary Names Mogging Top Term of 2026

Collins Dictionary announced on Tuesday that “mogging” is the word of the year for 2026. The term refers to the act of outshining someone or something and has become a staple of casual conversation among younger demographics. Editors noted that users often deploy the word in a playful or ironic manner when an individual is upstaged by a peer.

Data from the dictionary indicates a sharp rise in the term's popularity. Usage of “mogging” increased by 210 percent throughout 2026. This surge marked the word’s entry into mainstream English. The selection process relies on a 27-billion-word database that draws from various sources, including social media platforms.

Alex Beecroft, the managing director of Collins, stated that the choice reflects how each generation leaves its mark on language. He observed that Gen Z and Gen Alpha have adopted the word 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 that capture current trends. “Firewaves” defines a series of urban wildfires occurring in a short space of time. “P(doom)” serves as an estimation of the probability that artificial intelligence will bring about the collapse of human civilization. “Carspreading” describes the tendency of manufacturers to build vehicles that are longer, wider, and heavier.

“Fricy” appears on the list to describe trendy food or drinks that are both fruity and spicy. “Ghost jobs” refers to positions that are advertised without any intention to appoint anyone. “Friendslop” identifies a type of low-budget, independently produced video game played among friends. These terms join “mogging” in reflecting the evolving state of the English language for the year.

The dictionary plans to continue monitoring its database for emerging terms in future years. The 2026 selection stands as the latest in a series of annual lists designed to track linguistic shifts. The specific usage patterns and definitions provided in the report offer a snapshot of current vernacular.