Bodybuilding Slang Term Crowned Collins Dictionary Word of the Year

The slang term "mogging" has been named the Collins English Dictionary word of the year for 2026, beating out various entries concerning artificial intelligence and the climate crisis. According to dictionary lexicographers, the expression went mainstream in 2026, recording a 210% increase in usage across online communities and everyday conversation.

Writing for Collins, copywriter Rachel Quin explained that the term describes making someone or another object look inferior in terms of appearance, confidence, or status. The word is believed to originate as a shortening of "Amog", which stands for alpha male of the group. It first appeared in bodybuilding culture around 2016 before spreading through online platforms and looks-maxxing communities.

Collins managing director Alex Beecroft stated that lexicographers monitor usage frequency and analyse patterns to identify linguistic trends. Beecroft noted that the selection demonstrates how Generations Z and Alpha are shaping the English language through humorous slang. The term can function as a playful put-down or a compliment depending on the context.

The 2026 shortlist featured several other cultural, political, and environmental terms reflecting modern trends. Transport entries included "carspreading", which refers to motor manufacturers producing increasingly larger and heavier vehicles, while political terminology featured "Manchesterism", a 19th-century term revived to describe devolving regional power and combining economic growth with social progress.

Environmental and employment terms also appeared on the dictionary's 10-strong shortlist. Researchers coined "firewave" to describe multiple wildfires breaking out over short periods during dry spells, while "ghost job" referred to positions advertised by employers with no intention of hiring. Last year's word of the year was "vibe coding", which described making an application by describing it to artificial intelligence.