Collins Dictionary selects ‘mogging’ as 2026 word of the year

Originating as a shortened form of “Amog” (referring to the alpha male of a group), the word initially emerged in bodybuilding circles around 2016 before gaining traction in online communities. By 2026, it had become commonplace in everyday language. “Teenagers mog elite athletes, a new video game mogs an old favourite, and your friend’s sourdough mogs the loaf you spent all weekend proving,” Quin noted.

The selection process highlighted several other trending terms, which Quin described as feeling like “one big mogging contest,” reflecting shifts in transport, politics, climate, employment, and culture. “Carspreading,” describing the increasing size of vehicles, made the shortlist, coinciding with SUVs accounting for over half of new car sales in 2025.

In the political sphere, “Manchesterism,” the philosophy of Prime Minister Andy Burnham focused on regional power and economic growth, gained prominence after Burnham revived the 19th-century term in January, prior to assuming office in July, replacing Keir Starmer. Environmental concerns led to the introduction of mandatory “hydration breaks” during the 2026 World Cup, held across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

The list also included “ghost job,” referring to advertised positions with no intention of hiring, with a UK study revealing roughly a third of advertised roles fell into this category. Other additions included “friendslop” (low-budget multiplayer games), “fricy” (a blend of fruity and spicy flavors), “bixie” (a hairstyle combining a bob and a pixie cut), and “P(doom)” (representing the probability of AI-induced societal collapse).

Quin concluded that the year’s lexicon reflected both competition and adaptation, suggesting resilience and a sense of humor might be crucial for navigating challenges.