Collins selects mogging as its 2026 word of the year

Approximately one third of advertised job openings in the United Kingdom are ghost jobs, according to a recent study cited by Collins. This statistic anchors a new list of linguistic trends released by the dictionary publisher, which named mogging its word of the year for 2026. The selection recognizes a term that has shifted from niche online communities to everyday slang.

Rachel Quin, a copywriter for Collins, defined mogging as the act of making others appear inferior through looks, confidence, or status. The word is a shortened form of Amog, a term originally referring to the alpha male of a group. Quin noted that the phrase emerged in bodybuilding culture around 2016. By 2026, it has expanded beyond human comparisons to describe situations where a video game eclipses an older favorite or one baker produces a superior loaf.

The shortlist also captures physical changes in the automotive industry. The term carspreading describes the trend of manufacturers producing vehicles that are progressively longer, wider, and heavier. Quin pointed out that sport utility vehicles accounted for more than half of new car sales in 2025. This shift has reduced available space in parking lots and narrowed the usable width of country lanes.

Political terminology on the list includes Manchesterism, a philosophy associated with Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The term combines regional devolution with economic growth and social progress. Burnham revived the 19th-century expression in a newspaper article in January before succeeding Keir Starmer in July. While supporters hope the model will work nationally, critics remain unclear on its precise meaning.

Environmental challenges generated two new entries. Imperial College London researchers coined firewave in 2025 to describe multiple wildfires occurring within a short period during dry conditions. The list also includes hydration breaks, a term popularized by their mandatory introduction at every match of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada due to heat.

Gaming and flavor profiles also contributed to the shortlist. Friendslop describes inexpensive multiplayer indie games that prioritize shared enjoyment over sophisticated graphics. The culinary term fricy combines fruity and spicy flavors. In fashion, bixie refers to a blend of bob and pixie hairstyles recently worn by Zendaya, Jessie Buckley, and Helen Mirren.

The list concludes with P(doom), which expresses the percentage probability that artificial intelligence will bring about the collapse of human civilisation. Quin stated that the shortlist reflects the year's competitive pressures and the ways people adapted to them. The full list was published alongside the word of the year announcement.