'Mogging' is Collins' word of the year — but do you know what it means?

'Mogging' is Collins' word of the year — but do you know what it means? The Collins English Dictionary, first published in 1979, has named "mogging", a fast-growing slang word among members of Generations Z and Alpha, as its word of the year “Mogging” — a slang term used to describe outshining, outperforming or upstaging someone — has been named word of the year by Collins English Dictionary. Popular among Generation Z and Generation Alpha, the expression has gained traction both online and in everyday conversation. It entered the mainstream in 2026, recording a 210% increase in usage. Collins managing director, Alex Beecroft, said the dictionary’s lexicographers consider not only how frequently words are used but also analyse usage patterns to identify emerging language trends. He said the choice of “mogging” reflects how language evolves across generations, adding that it “shows how each generation leaves its mark on language”. It comes after Dictionary.com's research, last week, identified "maxxing" as its word of the year. It too is an internet slang phrase — and means to do more of something. Speaking about Collins' research, though, Mr Beecroft added: "It is a great example of how Gen Z and Gen Alpha have embraced a word and transformed it into humorous slang, putting their own stamp on the language and ‘mogging’ the rest of us." Not to be confused with mugging or "mugging someone off", mogging describes the act of outshining or dominating another person, most commonly in terms of physical appearance. Over the past 12 months, you may well have mogged someone yourself — or found yourself on the receiving end. The term is thought to have originated from the acronym AMOG, meaning Alpha Male of the Group. It has been linked to bodybuilding forums in the mid-2010s, as well as the manosphere and incel communities. But its meaning has since broadened, entering mainstream use as a playful put-down or even a compliment, depending on the context. The word is also commonly used in looksmaxxing communities — online groups where members exchange tips and advice on how to maximise their physical attractiveness. Collins — one of the UK's major dictionary publishers — draws from a range of sources, including social media, to reflect how the English language is evolving in the UK each year. In 2025, the term "vibe coding" beat contenders like "clanker", "glaze" and "aura farming" to be named word of the year. Vibe coding refers to an emerging software development process that turns natural language into computer code using AI. This year, other modern terms challenged "mogging", and these include "hydration break", which became famous — or, for many, infamous — during the summer's Fifa Men’s World Cup. Games were paused at intervals during halves to allow players to take on fluids in the hot conditions across the US, Mexico and Canada.