Collins Dictionary has selected "mogging," a slang term meaning to outshine or upstage someone, as its 2026 word of the year. Dictionary experts noted that the word, often used playfully and ironically by young people, has become mainstream, experiencing a 210% increase in usage.
Alex Beecroft, Collins' managing director, stated that the selection of "mogging" reflects how "each generation leaves its mark on language." He added that it exemplifies how Gen Z and Gen Alpha have adapted a word, transforming it into humorous slang and making the language their own.
The dictionary's annual list is compiled by experts who monitor a 27-billion-word database that includes contributions from social media, aiming to capture the evolution of the English language.
Other new and notable entries for 2026 include "firewaves," referring to a series of urban wildfires occurring in a short period, and "P(doom)," an estimation of the probability that artificial intelligence could lead to the collapse of human civilization.
The list also features "carspreading," describing the trend of manufacturers producing longer, wider, and heavier cars, and "fricy," a term for trendy food or drinks that are both fruity and spicy. Additionally, "ghost jobs"—advertised positions with no intention of hiring—and "friendslop," a category of low-budget independent video games played among friends, were recognized.