Collins picks 'mogging' as 2026 word
‘Mogging’ crowned Collins word of the year
Tuesday, 3 November 2026
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
Warm-up
- What new words have you learned this year?
- How do new words enter your language?
- Do you use a dictionary app? Which one?
Vocabulary
- slang
- Informal words used by a group, not in formal speech
- dictionary
- A book or app that explains the meanings of words
- shortlist
- A final, smaller list of the best choices
- outperform
- To do better than someone or something
- inferior
- Lower in quality, status or ability
- spread
- To move and reach more people or places
- advertise
- To tell people publicly about a job, product or event
- hairstyle
- The way someone’s hair is cut and shaped
Reading
Listen to this story
British EnglishCollins English Dictionary chose 'mogging' as its word of the year 2026. The word means to outperform or outshine someone, making them look inferior in looks, confidence or status. It began as bodybuilding slang, from the origin 'Amog' (alpha male of the group), around 2016. The term then spread online and into everyday speech.
Collins said many items on the shortlist showed a feeling of competition. In transport, 'carspreading' describes vehicles getting longer, wider and heavier, as SUVs made more than half of new car sales in 2025, which made parking spaces tighter.
Politics saw 'Manchesterism', linked to prime minister Andy Burnham, about giving more regional power with economic growth and social progress. Work life added 'ghost job' for roles advertised with no plan to hire; a UK study said about a third were like this. Lifestyle terms included 'bixie', a short, modern hairstyle.
Comprehension
- Which word did Collins choose as word of the year 2026?
- What does 'mogging' mean in simple words?
- Where did the term start before it spread?
- What is a 'ghost job' according to the text?
- Which political term on the shortlist is linked to Andy Burnham?
Grammar focus
Superlatives
Superlatives show the top level in a group. Form: the + adjective-est (the biggest) for short adjectives; the most + adjective (the most modern) for longer ones. Use in/of to name the group: the largest in the group. (Examples constructed.)
- Among shortlist terms, ‘mogging’ is the biggest buzzword.
- In hairstyle trends, the bixie is the trendiest cut.
Grammar exercise
Circle the correct option in each sentence.
- Of the terms, ‘mogging’ is (the most / more) common.
- SUVs are (the most large / the largest) on many roads.
- A ‘bixie’ can be (the most easy / the easiest) to style.
- Some posts win (the more likes / the most likes) online.
- Of all options, SUVs feel (the safest / safer).
Discussion
- Do you like the choice of 'mogging'? Why or why not?
- Which shortlist word do you find most interesting?
- How do new words usually spread in your country?
- Should dictionaries add slang quickly or wait? Why?
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