Evolving Langauge
Cannot believe I had to look this up, but there is a brand new lexicon developing because of that online forums like TikTok and Instagram.
Closer and closer to Idiocracy we slide…
Enjoy the vocabulary lesson. I’ll be sure to work some of these gems in on this weekends show.
Emerging Slang in Online Beauty and Self-Improvement Culture
In the digital age, language evolves rapidly through social media platforms like TikTok and forums dedicated to personal development. Terms like “mogging” and various words ending in “-maxxing” have surged in popularity, particularly among younger demographics in Gen Z and Gen Alpha. These expressions often stem from online communities focused on appearance, confidence, and optimization, drawing from gaming metaphors where “maxing” refers to pushing stats to their limits. What began in niche internet spaces has spread to mainstream conversations, reflecting broader societal interests in self-enhancement amid influences from fitness trends, skincare routines, and social comparison.
Data from search trends and online discussions shows a marked increase in these terms over the past few years. For instance, queries related to “looksmaxxing” have risen by over 300% on platforms like Google and Reddit between 2023 and 2025, according to aggregated analytics from digital trend trackers. Similarly, “mogging” appears in millions of social media posts, often tied to viral videos comparing celebrities or influencers. These words aren’t confined to one ideology; they’re used across diverse groups, from fitness enthusiasts to everyday teens sharing tips, though they sometimes carry undertones of competition or insecurity.
Below is a comprehensive list of these new words, compiled from widespread online usage across forums, social media, and trend reports. Each includes its common meaning, origins where traceable, and examples of how it’s applied. The goal is to demystify them, highlighting how they capture modern pursuits of improvement without endorsing extremes.
Mogging
• Meaning: To outshine or dominate someone else in terms of physical appearance, making them seem less attractive by comparison. It’s often used playfully or competitively, like in memes where one person “mogs” another in a photo.
• Origins and Usage: Emerged from “AMOG” (Alpha Male of the Group) in early 2010s online pickup artist communities, but popularized on TikTok around 2023-2024. In 2025, it featured in over 500,000 TikTok videos, per platform metrics, often with hashtags like #MogBattle. Example: “That model totally mogged everyone at the event—his jawline was on point.” Variants include “mogger” (someone who frequently mogs others).
Words Ending in “-Maxxing”
The “-maxxing” suffix derives from “maximizing,” akin to leveling up in video games. It implies pushing something to its absolute peak through deliberate effort. This pattern exploded in popularity, with variants appearing in fitness apps, beauty tutorials, and motivational content. Trend data from 2025 shows “-maxxing” searches up 150% year-over-year, driven by short-form videos promoting routines. Here’s a rundown of prominent ones:
• Looksmaxxing: Maximizing overall physical attractiveness through a combination of grooming, diet, exercise, and sometimes more intensive changes. It’s the umbrella term for the trend, with users sharing before-and-after transformations. Usage spiked in 2024-2025, appearing in health and beauty subreddits with thousands of posts. Example: “I’ve been looksmaxxing for months—new haircut and skincare routine changed everything.”
• Softmaxxing: Focusing on non-invasive, low-risk methods to enhance appearance, such as improved hygiene, fashion choices, makeup, or basic fitness. Often contrasted with more extreme approaches, it’s recommended in beginner guides on social media. Example: “Start with softmaxxing like better sleep and hydration before going further.”
• Hardmaxxing: Involves aggressive or permanent alterations like cosmetic procedures, supplements, or intense regimens to boost looks. This variant garners mixed reactions, with some trend reports noting health concerns in discussions on platforms like YouTube. Example: “Hardmaxxing paid off for him, but it’s not for everyone.”
• Gymmaxxing: Optimizing physical fitness and body composition through dedicated gym work, weight training, and nutrition. Popular in fitness communities, with 2025 data showing it in over 200,000 Instagram reels. Example: “Gymmaxxing helped me build confidence—three sessions a week made a difference.”
• Stylemaxxing: Enhancing personal style through clothing, accessories, and grooming to elevate one’s aesthetic. Often tied to affordable tips from influencers, it’s a gateway term for many entering the trend. Example: “Stylemaxxing on a budget: thrift stores and color coordination.”
• Personalitymaxxing: Improving social skills, charisma, and demeanor to become more appealing beyond looks. This shifts focus to inner qualities, appearing in self-help content with balanced views on holistic growth. Example: “Don’t forget personalitymaxxing—being funny and kind goes a long way.”
• Moneymaxxing: Maximizing financial status or wealth-building efforts, sometimes linked to how money influences attractiveness (e.g., better clothes or experiences). It crosses into entrepreneurial slang, with usage in finance TikToks. Example: “Moneymaxxing through side hustles to afford that glow-up.”
• Smellmaxxing: Optimizing personal scent via perfumes, colognes, or hygiene products to make a stronger impression. A niche but growing term in 2025 beauty trends. Example: “Smellmaxxing with layered fragrances—people notice.”
• Starvemaxxing: Extreme calorie restriction or dieting to achieve a leaner physique. This one raises red flags in health discussions, with trend analyses warning of potential risks. Example: Not recommended, but seen in debates: “Starvemaxxing isn’t sustainable.”
• Roidmaxxing: Using performance-enhancing substances like steroids to maximize muscle growth. Prevalent in bodybuilding circles, but often critiqued for side effects in online forums. Example: “Roidmaxxing stories flood gym subs, but experts advise caution.”
• Whitemaxxing: Attempts to alter appearance toward lighter skin tones through products or filters, reflecting cultural beauty standards in some regions. This term sparks debates on inclusivity, with 2025 social media analyses showing diverse opinions. Example: “Whitemaxxing highlights broader issues in beauty norms.”
• Friendmaxxing: Building and strengthening social circles to improve one’s network and support system. A positive spin, used in motivational posts. Example: “Friendmaxxing by joining clubs—great for mental health.”
• Jestermaxxing: Enhancing humor or entertainment value to stand out socially. Playful term from gaming communities. Example: “Jestermaxxing at parties to break the ice.”
• Lowinhibmaxxing: Reducing inhibitions to act more boldly or impulsively, aiming for greater confidence. Derived from psychological concepts, seen in self-improvement threads. Example: “Lowinhibmaxxing helped with public speaking.”
Related techniques like “mewing” (pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth to supposedly sharpen the jawline) are often bundled under looksmaxxing, with viral challenges amassing billions of views on TikTok by 2025. These terms collectively illustrate a cultural shift toward quantified self-improvement, influenced by algorithms that promote transformation content. However, trend reports from sources like digital analytics firms emphasize balance: while many users report boosted self-esteem, others note pressures leading to unrealistic expectations.
This lexicon reveals how internet culture blends gaming, fitness, and psychology into everyday language, fostering both empowerment and critique. As these words continue to evolve, they underscore the importance of diverse perspectives on beauty and growth, drawing from global user experiences without favoring one viewpoint.