The word 'maxxing' has been selected as Dictionary.com's 2026 Word of the Year.
Dictionary.com selected 'maxxing' as its 2026 Word of the Year, defining it as optimizing to the fullest and originating from 'maximum' and 'maximize'. The term emerged in internet communities in 2015, with 'looksmaxxing' referring to optimizing physical appearance. Digital media used it 19 times more in August 2026 than in 2025.
- Dictionary.com selected 'maxxing' as its 2026 Word of the Year.
- Dictionary.com stated that "maxxing" means optimizing something to the fullest.
- Dictionary.com found instances of looksmaxxing on forums starting in 2015.
- Steve Johnson said "maxxing" shows a culture focused on maximizing everything.
- The practice of optimizing physical appearance is called "looksmaxxing."
- Dictionary.com found digital media used "maxxing" nearly 19 times more in August 2026 than the 2025 average.
- Dictionary.com selected "demure" as the word of the year in 2024.
- Dictionary.com's 2025 Word of the Year was “67.”
- Dictionary.com based its selection on search data, social media trends, and news coverage.
Outlets: 444.hu, BBC News, Courrier international, Digi24, Diken, G4Media, Gulf News, HVG, Irish Independent, Medyascope, TVN24, Telex (Kulfold), The Express Tribune, Times of India (Top), g1
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