'Maxxing' is Dictionary.com’s word of the year: ‘It’s cooler than saying you’re doing more’
As all facets of our lives are optimized, the suffix has become inescapable - and experts predict it’s around to stay
TL;DR
- The suffix 'maxxing' has been chosen as Dictionary.com's word of the year for 2026, reflecting a trend of optimizing all facets of life.
- The term has historical roots in game theory and popular culture but has surged in recent years, appearing in contexts like 'proteinmaxxing,' 'sleepmaxxing,' and 'looksmaxxing.'
- While 'looksmaxxing' has roots in online communities like 4chan and incel forums, the suffix has broader applications and has moved into the mainstream, as documented by linguists.
- The popularity of 'maxxing' is attributed to its versatility, recognizability, and appealing sound, allowing for creative application to almost any activity.
- Experts predict 'maxxing' will have staying power, being embraced by various age groups and even corporate brands, despite potential concerns about the pressure for constant self-optimization.