{"id":848,"date":"2026-03-08T19:10:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T19:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parkmania.pl\/?p=848"},"modified":"2026-03-08T19:10:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T19:10:00","slug":"child-psychologists-discuss-the-risks-of-kids-using-the-term-mogging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parkmania.pl\/?p=848","title":{"rendered":"Child psychologists discuss the risks of kids using the term ‘mogging’"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve 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<\/strong>; you understandably want answers, specifically whether or not they should be using that word or associating with other children who do.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Well, we’ve got you covered; <\/em> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Related: The \u2018Staples Baddie\u2019 Goes Viral: How One Employee\u2019s TikTok Is Reinvigorating the Massive Brand (Exclusive)<\/strong><\/p>\n

What Is \u2018Mogging\u2019?<\/h2>\n

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “mog\u201d means \u201cto look or perform better than someone else\u201d or “to outclass.” With this in mind, “mogging” refers to the act of looking or performing better than another.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What Does \u2018Mogging\u2019 Mean in Slang?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

Urban Dictionary notes the word \u201cmog\u201d can mean a few things. It can mean \u201cappearing to be larger in stature than another individual.” And in weight-lifting terms, \u201cmogging\u201d can also mean \u201cwhen you get a nasty pump and out-angel another person, making them look little compared to you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

To put it simply, this word essentially means to show up others in a room.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It is known as a Gen Alpha slang word, but older teens and Gen Zers also use this lingo.<\/p>\n

Related: What Does \u20186-7\u2019 Mean? Find Out How This TikTok Slang Term Is Actually Used<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

History of ‘Mogging’<\/h2>\n

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\u2014otherwise known as the manosphere\u2014promoting misogynist and extremist principles praising muscular and tall men, pitting them against shorter and smaller men while deeming them inferior.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Is ‘Mogging’ an Insult?\u00a0<\/h2>\n

While mogging isn\u2019t 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).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Furthermore, Dr. Janet Yarboi, PhD<\/strong>, a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Rush University System for Health, notes that \u201c[the word mogging] may be less harmful when used playfully among close friends who feel secure and safe with one another.\u201d That said, she advises that children steer clear of using language or humor that undermines or degrades others.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Related: <\/strong>11 Phrases Child Psychologists Say Can Secretly Harm a Child\u2019s Confidence<\/strong><\/p>\n

Does the Term \u2018Mogging\u2019 Positively or Negatively Impact Kids?<\/h2>\n

Our experts agree that the term “mogging” generally has more negative impacts than it does positive ones. While Dr. Alice Connors-Kellgren, PhD<\/strong>\u2014the Director of Psychology at Tufts Medical Center\u2014notes 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

One of the main ways in which “mogging” negatively impacts kids and teens is its focus on the body and, in turn, one\u2019s self-esteem.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis can erode one\u2019s 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,\u201d shares Dr. Joseph Laino, PsyD<\/strong>, a psychologist and the Assistant Director at Sunset Terrace Family Health Center at NYU Langone. <\/p>\n

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).\u00a0<\/p>\n

It is important to note, though, that kids and teens may have different experiences with the word and its impacts. <\/p>\n

\u201cDevelopmentally speaking, adolescents are generally more aware of social hierarchy and status,\u201d explains Dr. Yarboi. \u201cTeenagers 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

That said, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, PsyD<\/strong>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Related: 13 Common Phrases People Over 60 Use Without Realizing How Outdated They Sound, Psychologists Say<\/strong><\/p>\n

How Should Parents Respond to Their Kids or Teens Using \u2018Mogging\u2019?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cCuriosity tends to get parents much further with their children than punishment,\u201d Dr. Yarboi suggests. \u201cAsk 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.\u201d <\/p>\n

Dr. Connors-Kellgren shares that you want to ensure your child is not feeling judged when you\u2019re questioning them about the word. You also don\u2019t want to make the initial impression of it being a big deal. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat may contribute to your teen being defensive or not being willing to talk at all,\u201d adds Dr. Laino.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He also notes that if you notice that your teen has been negatively impacted by the word\u2014either by becoming fixated on their appearance or having it all from a materialistic standpoint\u2014it can be important to step in. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis 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,\u201d he states.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Up Next:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Related: Is It OK for Kids To Use the Term ‘Big Back’? A Child Psychologist Weighs In<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sources:\u00a0<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • Dr. Janet Yarboi, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Rush University System for Health.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  • Dr. Joseph Laino, PsyD, is a psychologist and the Assistant Director at Sunset Terrace Family Health Center at NYU Langone.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  • Dr. Alice Connors-Kellgren, PhD, is the Director of Psychology at Tufts Medical Center.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  • Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, PsyD, is a psychologist and clinical services instructor at Newport Healthcare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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