Mogging outshines the competition to be named Collins Dictionary's word of the year

'Mogging' has outshone its competition to be crowned the Collins English Dictionary's word of the year. The slang terminology - meaning to dominate or outshine others - beat out words like 'carspreading' and 'Manchesterism' to take home this year's top prize, with a 210 per cent increase in its usage in 2026 alone. The word, said to be 'fast-growing slang' among Generation Z and Generation Alpha, was selected by lexicographers at the dictionary after a close monitoring of their database, Collins Corpus, which screens common language used online. Not to be confused with 'mugging', the term has previously been linked to the acronym AMOG - meaning Alpha Male of the Group - but has gained mainstream notoriety as a playful insult or compliment, depending on the situation.The term rose in prominence following its use at last month's Conservative Party conference, after young attendees were spotted wearing badges bearing the word. And, its rise has been championed by former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg - even if it is unrelated to his matching surname. Mr Rees-Mogg labelled 'mogging's' win as 'excellent news,' that will 'transmogrify our vocabulary'. 'Mogging' - meaning to dominate or outshine others - has been crowned the Collins English Dictionary's word of 2026 There has been a 210 per cent increase in the use of the term across 2026, which beat out words including 'carspreading' and 'Manchesterism'He said: 'It is, in truth, mognificent, which I am expecting to be word of the year in 2027.'Alex Beecroft, the Collins Dictionary's managing director, said 'mogging' was crowned winner after a consideration of 'patterns of usage' in words by lexicographers, as well as how 'often words are used.'Mr Beecroft said: 'It's a great example of how Gen Z and Gen Alpha have adopted a word and turned it into humorous slang, making the language their own and 'mogging' the rest of us!'The selection of 'mogging' as Collins' word of the year shows how each generation leaves its mark on language.' The win comes as trending terms continue to surge in prominence in everyday vocabulary, with contender 'Manchesterism' increasing in use following the appointment of Mancunian Andy Burnham as Prime Minister. 'Carspreading' was also among 2026's frontrunners, referring to a pause in play used during football matches at this summer's FIFA World Cup in the United States. Other popular terms included 'friendslop' a type of independent video game played as a team, and 'fricy', referring to foods and drinks which are simultaneously fruity and spicy. 'Bixie' was also highlighted as a contender, describing a women's haircut which is longer than a pixie cut but shorter than a bob. Former Tory minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, whose surname bears a resemblance to the term, said it will 'transmogrify our vocabulary'In 2025, 'vibe coding' was selected as the dictionary's word of 2025 - further highlighting how tech-savvy Gen Z has influenced language. The term is defined as an easy way for non-IT minded individuals to make computer code simply by telling artificial intelligence (AI) programs to do it.Other words on 2025's list included 'biohacking', defined as the activity of altering the natural processes of one's body in an attempt to improve health and longevity.Another is 'clanker', a derogatory term for computers, robots, or sources of AI, which was popularised by Star Wars: The Clone Wars.The word went viral on social media and is often used to express people's frustrations with, and distrust of, AI chatbots and platforms.Also a term of disapproval, the word 'glaze' gained traction last year, meaning to praise or flatter someone excessively or undeservedly.Another is 'aura farming' – described as the deliberate cultivation of a distinctive and charismatic persona – essentially the art of looking cool.Last October, Dictionary.com also revealed its 2025 words of the year, with TikTok term '67' topping the list.But according to the organization, the definition of '67' remains complicated. It explained some people see it as a word that means, 'so–so,' while other kids view it as a way to simply annoy their parents. Gen Z and Gen Alpha words - what do they mean? Mogging What it means: To playfully outshine, outperform or update something or someone Carspreading What it means: A pause in play used during football matches Aura pointsWhat it means: A way to quantify how cool someone is and whether they bring good energy. You can gain or lose aura points if you're being 'cringe'.SigmaWhat it means: Used to describe someone as a dominant leader, lone wolf, someone who is cool and popular. You can also use it to say 'what the sigma' also translates to 'what the hell'.SlayWhat it means: Someone who has done exceptionally well or impressed others. It's givingWhat it means: This can be used to convey that you like something or to describe someone's vibe or personality, for example, 'it's giving CEO,' which translates to: 'You are [or it is] giving CEO energy.' BussinWhat it means: Something is delicious or yummy.