Collins English Dictionary has named “mogging” its 2026 Word of the Year, recognizing a slang term that has gained traction among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The dictionary announced its choice on Instagram on Nov. 3, noting that the word is now often used playfully and ironically when someone is upstaged.
Collins defines “mogging” as “the act of outshining or outperforming someone or something.” The dictionary said usage of the term rose by 210% in 2026, helping it take the top spot.
Although younger generations have helped popularize the word, Collins traces its origins to 2016. It derives from AMOG, short for “Alpha Male of the Group,” a term initially used in bodybuilding culture to describe the most physically dominant man in a gym.
Collins managing director Alex Beecroft said the choice reflects how generations shape language, describing “mogging” as an example of Gen Z and Gen Alpha adopting a word and turning it into humorous slang.
Sources: E! News.