If you’ve landed on this page, your child or grandchild probably said a weird word you've never heard before in your life, and maybe it's a little alarming (it is funny-sounding, that's for sure). You're looking to find out what the term "mogging" means; you understandably want answers, specifically whether or not they should be using that word or associating with other children who do.Not everything on social media is scary or out to mess your kids up. But there are still quite a few things parents and grandparents should be wary of about the internet, including slang and new terms. So it's understandable that you want some understanding of what the heck "mogging" means, and if you should be worried. Well, we've got you covered; Parade chatted with a handful of psychologists who work with children and teens for their insights regarding the psychological implications of children using this word (or being on the receiving end of it). They also share how parents should respond if they notice their kids using the term "mogging." Plus, we touch on what it actually means and how it gained popularity over the years, both in person and on the internet. Related: The ‘Staples Baddie’ Goes Viral: How One Employee’s TikTok Is Reinvigorating the Massive Brand (Exclusive)
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, "mog” means “to look or perform better than someone else” or "to outclass." With this in mind, "mogging" refers to the act of looking or performing better than another.
What Does ‘Mogging’ Mean in Slang?
Again, when referring to the slang meaning of "mogging," the Merriam-Webster dictionary notes that it's a "humorous internet slang term" that was meant for a specific type of person."It was originally used to praise one man as being taller, more muscular, or more stereotypically handsome in direct comparison to another man," the site said.Urban Dictionary notes the word “mog” can mean a few things. It can mean “appearing to be larger in stature than another individual." And in weight-lifting terms, “mogging” can also mean “when you get a nasty pump and out-angel another person, making them look little compared to you.” To put it simply, this word essentially means to show up others in a room. It is known as a Gen Alpha slang word, but older teens and Gen Zers also use this lingo.Related: What Does ‘6-7’ Mean? Find Out How This TikTok Slang Term Is Actually Used
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Mogging is a relatively new development that has become popularized with the increased use of social media. Merriam-Webster notes this word started to gain traction in 2016 within the AMOG (Alpha Male of Group) internet subculture—otherwise known as the manosphere—promoting misogynist and extremist principles praising muscular and tall men, pitting them against shorter and smaller men while deeming them inferior.
Is 'Mogging' an Insult?
While mogging isn’t always necessarily an insult, it can be depending on the intent, context and tone in which the word is said. The word can also be insulting to the receiver if they are unaware of the context in which the word is being used, what is meant by it and whether or not the individual who says it is doing so intentionally to make them feel bad about themselves (specifically, their body). Furthermore, Dr. Janet Yarboi, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Rush University System for Health, notes that “[the word mogging] may be less harmful when used playfully among close friends who feel secure and safe with one another.” That said, she advises that children steer clear of using language or humor that undermines or degrades others. Related: 11 Phrases Child Psychologists Say Can Secretly Harm a Child’s Confidence
Our experts agree that the term "mogging" generally has more negative impacts than it does positive ones. While Dr. Alice Connors-Kellgren, PhD—the Director of Psychology at Tufts Medical Center—notes that there is no current scientific evidence to demonstrate the impacts of this specific word on children, she explains that there are still negative implications. The unfavorable impacts of the term and the act of mogging can be explained through the lens of comparison and how children compare themselves to others. Dr. Yarboi adds that this word can potentially lead to competition amongst kids or teens and their peers. One of the main ways in which "mogging" negatively impacts kids and teens is its focus on the body and, in turn, one’s self-esteem. “This can erode one’s self-esteem, increase social insecurity, cause someone to be anxious or depressed, decrease the likelihood of developing strong and supportive relationships with individuals based on inner qualities like kindness, compassion, loyalty and shared prosocial values,” shares Dr. Joseph Laino, PsyD, a psychologist and the Assistant Director at Sunset Terrace Family Health Center at NYU Langone. Dr. Yarboi adds that the consequence of repeatedly hearing this word can potentially lead children to develop disordered eating or body dysmorphia if they are not tall or muscular to measure up to the perpetuated ideals (or in this case, desired physical aesthetic). It is important to note, though, that kids and teens may have different experiences with the word and its impacts. “Developmentally speaking, adolescents are generally more aware of social hierarchy and status,” explains Dr. Yarboi. “Teenagers also consume and contribute more to the online subcultures that create terms like 'mogging,' placing them at greater risk to experience the full psychological impact of the term. In comparison, younger children may not fully understand all of the layers of the term when hearing or using it.” That said, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, PsyD, a psychologist and clinical services instructor at Newport Healthcare, points out that some kids will tend to continue using the word, especially if their peers validate their claim by laughing or joining in. She adds that if this word and its associated messages are repeatedly said and heard by a child, they might feel inadequate and potentially develop anxiety and withdraw from social situations. Related: 13 Common Phrases People Over 60 Use Without Realizing How Outdated They Sound, Psychologists Say
How Should Parents Respond to Their Kids or Teens Using ‘Mogging’?
If you’ve heard your child or teen say "mogging," there are several steps you can take. While it might be tempting to become frustrated and bombard your child with many stern, disapproving questions, our experts note that it is best practice to remain calm and relaxed when opening the discussion about the word. “Curiosity tends to get parents much further with their children than punishment,” Dr. Yarboi suggests. “Ask them about what the word means to them and their friends and how it feels saying it and being on the receiving end of it.” Dr. Connors-Kellgren shares that you want to ensure your child is not feeling judged when you’re questioning them about the word. You also don’t want to make the initial impression of it being a big deal. “That may contribute to your teen being defensive or not being willing to talk at all,” adds Dr. Laino. He also notes that if you notice that your teen has been negatively impacted by the word—either by becoming fixated on their appearance or having it all from a materialistic standpoint—it can be important to step in. “This is also a suitable time to remind our teens [that] while it is natural to use slang terms like 'mogging,' people are not necessarily 'better' or 'worse' because they do not possess certain physical attributes or material possessions,” he states. If you notice that your child or teen has increased the frequency with which they say the word due to their social media consumption, whether it be on TikTok or Instagram (or whatever their preferred social media app is), you can opt to use parental control settings on the apps or talk with your child about blocking certain creators promoting this word and other harmful rhetoric. Up Next:
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Sources:
Dr. Janet Yarboi, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Rush University System for Health. Dr. Joseph Laino, PsyD, is a psychologist and the Assistant Director at Sunset Terrace Family Health Center at NYU Langone. Dr. Alice Connors-Kellgren, PhD, is the Director of Psychology at Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, PsyD, is a psychologist and clinical services instructor at Newport Healthcare.Hence then, the article about is it ok for kids to say mogging child psychologists weigh in was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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