Manosphere Lingo 'Mogging' and 'Maxxing' Spreads on Social Media

Terms like 'mogging' and 'maxxing' have become mainstream vernacular, reflecting a culture of constant comparison and self-optimization.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The manosphere's linguistic style, including terms like 'mogging' and 'maxxing,' has become increasingly prevalent on social media. These words, which originated in online communities focused on self-improvement and appearance, now describe everything from political campaigns to sports and fashion. Experts say this reflects a shift from healthy self-development to a fragile self-worth tied to endless optimization.

Why it matters

The rise of these terms highlights the growing influence of the manosphere, a network of online communities that promote a narrow, competitive view of masculinity. This language has seeped into mainstream discourse, shaping how people, especially young men, view themselves and others in terms of dominance and status.

The details

Terms like 'mogging,' which means to outshine someone, and 'maxxing,' which refers to taking self-improvement to the extreme, have become common on social media. This linguistic style has been boosted by popular livestreamers like Clavicular, who have confronted others in public and described the encounters using manosphere terminology. Experts say this reflects a shift from healthy self-improvement to a focus on endless optimization and competition.

  • In recent weeks, the use of manosphere terms like 'jestermaxxing' and 'framemogging' has intensified on social media.
  • On Thursday, a campaign account for North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper used the term 'VOTEMAXXING' in a post.
  • One day prior, the Republican National Committee praised President Donald Trump for 'jobsmaxxing' the economy.
  • In February 2026, the livestreamer Clavicular was arrested in Arizona for using a fake ID to enter a bar underage, but the charges were later dropped.

The players

Clavicular

A 20-year-old 'Looksmaxxer' livestreamer whose videos often invite viewers to compare appearances in real time. He was recently seen partying with far-right commentator Nick Fuentes and influencer Andrew Tate.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California, who Clavicular has predicted will defeat Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 presidential election, citing Newsom's physical features.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who Clavicular has criticized for his physical features in comparison to Gavin Newsom.

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What they’re saying

“I see how adolescents are growing up in a culture of constant comparison shaped by social media metrics like likes, views and followers. Terms like 'mogging' and 'maxxing' give language to a ranking system many teens already feel they are living inside every day.”

— Jonathan Alpert, Psychotherapist and author (NBC New York)

“Psychologically, both terms frame identity as something to upgrade and compete with rather than something to develop over time. Self-improvement can be healthy, but when self-worth becomes tied to endlessly 'maxxing,' confidence becomes fragile because there is always another standard to meet.”

— Jonathan Alpert, Psychotherapist and author (NBC New York)

What’s next

Experts say the rise of these terms reflects a need for greater understanding and awareness of the impact of the manosphere's influence on mainstream culture, particularly among young people.

The takeaway

The widespread use of manosphere terminology like 'mogging' and 'maxxing' highlights the growing influence of these online communities and their narrow, competitive view of masculinity. This language has become ingrained in internet culture, shaping how people, especially young men, view themselves and others in terms of status and dominance.