If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you may have come across words like “mogging” and “maxxing.” Now, both terms have earned major recognition after being named Word of the Year 2026 by two leading dictionary publishers.
Collins English Dictionary selected “mogging,” while Dictionary.com chose “maxxing” for its 2026 Word of the Year. Both words have become popular in online conversations, particularly among younger internet users.
What does ‘mogging’ mean?
“Mogging” is internet slang for outshining or looking noticeably better than someone else, usually in terms of physical appearance, style or overall presence.
The term is often used in comparisons between two people, especially in viral social media videos where someone is said to “mog” another person by looking taller, fitter, or more attractive.
Although the word has been around in online communities for years, it has increasingly entered mainstream internet culture. According to Collins, its usage increased by 210% in 2026, showing just how quickly the expression has spread.
What does ‘maxxing’ mean?
“Maxxing” refers to the idea of maximizing or improving a particular aspect of yourself or your life.
It comes from the internet slang term “looksmaxxing,” which describes efforts to improve physical appearance. However, the suffix has expanded into all kinds of online trends, including “gymmaxxing,” “sleepmaxxing” and “moneymaxxing.”
In other words, it’s all about taking something and trying to get the most out of it.
Dictionary.com selected the term to reflect a growing online obsession with optimizing different parts of everyday life, from fitness and beauty to productivity and personal finances.
Why are these words so popular?
Both terms reflect the influence of internet culture on everyday language. Social media platforms have helped turn niche online expressions into mainstream vocabulary, with users constantly finding new ways to describe appearance, self-improvement and personal identity.
However, not all of these trends are harmless. Some corners of looksmaxxing culture have attracted criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, extreme appearance-focused routines, and unhealthy comparisons.
Whether you love these trends or find the terminology a little confusing, it looks like “mogging” and “maxxing” have officially made their way into the dictionary.
