Collins lexicographers have named the internet slang term ‘mogging’ as their Word of the Year for 2026. The selection highlights the increasing dominance of digital-first vocabulary in mainstream global communication.
The term, which refers to the act of physically or socially outshining another person—often through superior appearance or presence—emerged as the top selection during the annual announcement reported by Channels Television. The decision follows a year of intense linguistic shifts driven by social media trends and short-form video content.
Lexicographers at Collins select words that reflect the evolving nature of language and the specific preoccupations of the people who use it. In this year’s list, ‘mogging’ beat out other notable entries, including ‘firewave’, to secure the primary title.
The rise of digital-native language
The term ‘mogging’ gained significant traction within online fitness, fashion, and social media communities before entering the broader lexicon. It is used to describe a situation where one individual’s physical attributes or social confidence make those around them appear less impressive by comparison. This phenomenon is a direct product of the highly visual nature of modern social platforms, where aesthetic comparison is a constant feature of user interaction.
The runner-up term, ‘firewave’, also reflected the year’s preoccupation with rapid-fire digital trends and the shifting currents of online engagement. The inclusion of these terms in a major dictionary’s annual list underscores how quickly niche internet slang can move into the mainstream, influencing how people communicate in both digital and physical spaces.
For tech-savvy populations in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, the adoption of such terms reflects a broader globalisation of language. As Nigerian youth increasingly engage with global digital trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the linguistic gap between local vernacular and international internet slang continues to narrow. This crossover often influences how contemporary Nigerian English is shaped by the digital habits of the Gen Z and Gen Alpha demographics.
The process used by Collins involves analysing billions of words from various sources to identify which terms have seen the most significant rise in usage and cultural relevance. By naming ‘mogging’ as the Word of the Year, the institution acknowledges that the linguistic authority is no longer held solely by traditional institutions but is increasingly driven by the users of social media.
The selection of these terms marks a continued pattern of internet-born vocabulary entering formal linguistic records. Lexicographers will continue to monitor how these words are utilised in different contexts to determine their long-term permanence in the English language.
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