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The Independent UK

Lifestyle

Shahana Yasmin

What is ‘Maxxing’? Viral trend named Dictionary.com’s word of the year

Data Centres Dating Video Game

Dictionary.com has named Maxxing its word of the year for 2026.
Short for maximising, the slang term refers to optimising an aspect of life or doing something to the fullest.
Usage of the word in digital media surged nearly 19 times in August 2026 compared to the average monthly usage in 2025.
Originating from video gaming and online incel forums, the adaptable suffix is now applied across various trends, including dating tactics and military messaging.
Maxxing beat shortlisted contenders such as affordability, data centre, odyssey, and unc to secure the title.

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