Mogging Politics: How Global Leaders Fell Victim to the Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year
Collins Dictionary names 'mogging' the 2026 word of the year as global political figures like Putin and Trump face unprecedented public image challenges.
POLICY WIRE — London, UK — The Collins English Dictionary has officially designated ‘mogging’ as its word of the year for 2026, following a selection process by its judges on Tuesday morning.
The term, which originated in youth culture, has moved into the mainstream as it describes instances where one individual is visually or overshadowed by another.
Rachel Quin, a marketing consultant and copywriter who authored the announcement for Collins, explained that the concept typically involves making an opponent appear inferior based on their physical appearance or presence.
While the term originated in social trends, the political landscape has seen several high-profile instances where the world’s most influential figures found themselves outshone.
Notable figures such as Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump are among the leaders who have faced brutal moments in terms of public image and perceived dominance this year.
The rise of ‘mogging’ reflects a shift in how public perception of power is analyzed in modern media and digital political discourse throughout the year.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
