Mogging

Trending in the US since Nov 3, 11:50 AM EST · about 500+ searches · covered by 5 news outlets

The story behind it

Collins says the word is believed to come from "AMOG," short for "alpha male of the group." Before it became slang among young people, it was a bodybuilding term for the strongest man in a gym. Later it became a verb, and for a time it was picked up by the manosphere, an online community of men's self-improvement and gender-focused forums.

Collins describes its meaning as outperforming or outshining someone or something. Copywriter Rachel Quin said the word first showed up in bodybuilding culture around 2016 before spreading through online communities.

The background

LONDON, Nov. 3 — Collins English Dictionary chose "mogging.html" title="What does mogging mean: Collins word of the year 2026">mogging" as its word of the year for 2026. The slang means to outshine or outperform someone or something, and it is used mainly by Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Collins said usage rose 210% during 2026, and the word has been in circulation for about a decade.

The term has changed meaning over time. It started as a bodybuilding word, and the dictionary links it to the phrase "alpha male of the group." Collins also said the selection reflects how younger generations shape language. Other shortlisted words included "hydration break," "Manchesterism," and "ghost job."

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Key facts

• Collins English Dictionary named "mogging" its 2026 word of the year.
• Collins said usage of the word rose 210% in 2026.
• The word means to outperform or outshine someone or something.
• It was first used in bodybuilding culture around 2016, and the dictionary says it may come from "alpha male of the group" (AMOG).
• Other shortlisted words included "hydration break" and "Manchesterism."

Updated Nov 3, 12:26 PM EST.