Collins Dictionary: 'Mogging' tops 2026 list

The Collins Dictionary has selected 'mogging' as its word of the year for 2026. The term describes the act of making others appear inferior through superior looks, confidence, or status. This choice leads a shortlist of new terms that track changes in transport, politics, and daily life.

Collins copywriter Rachel Quin identified the term as a shortened form of 'Amog,' which refers to the alpha male of a group. Quin noted that the phrase emerged in bodybuilding circles around 2016. It spread through online communities before becoming common slang by late 2026. The word now applies to various forms of outperformance, not just physical dominance.

Quin provided examples of the term's current usage. It describes teenagers who outperform elite athletes and video games that surpass older titles. It also applies to home bakers who produce better bread than their neighbors. The dictionary linked this shift to a wider trend of competition and escalation in modern society.

The shortlist includes 'carspreading,' a term for manufacturers producing larger and heavier vehicles. Quin stated that sport utility vehicles made up more than half of new car sales in 2025. This growth has reduced space in parking lots and on rural roads.

Political language features 'Manchesterism,' a concept associated with Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The term combines regional devolution with economic growth. Burnham revived the 19th-century phrase in a newspaper article in January 2026. He succeeded Keir Starmer as prime minister in July 2026. Supporters believe the Greater Manchester model can work nationally, while critics remain skeptical of its definition.

Environmental entries include 'firewave,' coined by Imperial College London researchers in 2025. The term defines multiple wildfires occurring in a short period during dry conditions. The list also contains 'hydration breaks,' which became mandatory at every 2026 World Cup match in the USA, Mexico, and Canada due to climate conditions.

Workplace and digital terms round out the list. 'Ghost job' refers to a vacancy that an employer does not intend to fill. A recent UK study found that roughly one-third of advertised positions fell into this category. 'Friendslop' describes inexpensive multiplayer indie games that focus on shared enjoyment rather than high-end graphics. Other entries include 'fricy,' a blend of fruity and spicy flavors, and 'bixie,' a hairstyle mix worn by Zendaya, Jessie Buckley, and Helen Mirren. 'P(doom)' expresses the percentage probability of AI causing civilizational collapse. Quin said the collection reflects the year's competitive pressures and the ways people adapted to them.