‘Mogging’ slang spreads beyond manosphere origins, linguists and therapists raise concerns
8 reported
The slang term “mogging,” which means to outdo or outshine others, has spread from its origins in the manosphere into wider use among gen Z and gen Alpha, according to a report. The term began as a verb derived from the acronym “Amog” (alpha male of the group) in misogynistic forums in the 2010s, where it meant to outdo someone in terms of sexual desirability. It has been adopted by “looksmaxxing” influencers such as Braden Peters, known online as Clavicular, who encourage men to alter their looks to increase their “sexual market value.” While the term is now often used tongue-in-cheek and can refer to besting others at anything, it remains typically associated with looks. Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu said in an interview last year that her main competition strategy was “to mog.” Tony Thorne, director of the slang and new language archive at King’s College London, says the term implies “hyper-competitive, hyper-individualist, aggressive selfishness” that has become “mainstream behaviour.” Psychotherapist Will Adolphy, a former follower of manosphere influencers, and NHS child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Emily Sehmer both expressed concerns about the word’s reinforcement of competition and dominance based on appearance and status. Thorne noted that many people now use the term ironically, and some social media content, such as posing for a photo on a rollercoaster to “mog” screaming riders, treats the concept irreverently.
What’s reported
“Mogging” means to outdo or outshine others.
The term originated in the manosphere as a verb from the acronym “Amog” (alpha male of the group) in misogynistic forums in the 2010s.
It has been adopted by “looksmaxxing” influencers like Braden Peters (Clavicular).
Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu said her main competition strategy was “to mog.”
Tony Thorne, director of the slang and new language archive at King’s College London, says the term implies “hyper-competitive, hyper-individualist, aggressive selfishness.”
Psychotherapist Will Adolphy, a former follower of manosphere influencers, expressed concerns about the word reinforcing dominance based on physical appearance and status.
Dr Emily Sehmer, an NHS child and adolescent psychiatrist, worries about the “constant sense of competition” the concept fosters, especially for teenagers.
Thorne noted that many people now use the term ironically, and some social media content treats it irreverently.
Key figures
Tony Thorne, director of the slang and new language archive at King’s College London
Braden Peters, known online as Clavicular, “looksmaxxing” influencer
Alysa Liu, Olympic figure skater
Will Adolphy, psychotherapist
Dr Emily Sehmer, NHS child and adolescent psychiatrist
Sources: The Guardian
