Delulu
Delulu (/dəˈluːluː/ ⓘ) is Internet slang for delusional, specifically for believing that one can influence one's destiny through sheer willpower. It was first used in K-pop communities for those in a parasocial relationship with celebrities, and who had hopes of meeting them. It was adopted by Generation Z and Generation Alpha, popularized by viral TikTok trends such as the catchphrase "delulu is the solulu", that is, self-confidence is key to achieving one's dreams, however far-fetched. Solulu and trululu are slang for "solution" and "truth", modeled after delulu.
Origins
[edit]Derived from the word delusional, delulu originates in Internet communities obsessed with K-pop culture, such as the OneHallyu Forum active around 2013 and 2014.[1][2] In these forums, delulu often mocked individuals who hoped, unrealistically, to meet a celebrity they idolized, a sign of a parasocial relationship with delusional beliefs.[3] Users also often joked about being deluded themselves.[2]
Delulu in K-pop culture is also used in the shipping and stan cultures for fans who interpret any interaction between celebrities as proof of their dating or being in a relationship.[2]
In popular culture
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Since late 2022, delulu has spread virally to Generation Z and Generation Alpha on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. As of December 2023, TikTok had recorded over five billion views of the hashtag #delulu.[4] Multiple creators have embraced delulu, often incorporating it in their short-form videos.[5][6]
TikTok influencers coined the catchphrase "delulu is the solulu", implying that self-confidence is the solution to career decisions.[6]
Despite its derogatory origins, delulu now often means that one can influence one's life through force of will, similarly to the "manifesting" movement promoted by Oprah Winfrey in the 2000s and the "fake it till you make it" aphorism of the 1970s.[6][5]
In March 2025, during a parliamentary debate, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used delulu to criticise the opposition's economic and energy policies. The phrase "delulu with no solulu" was directed at the Liberal–National Coalition, implying that their approach was delusional and lacked solutions.[7][8] Albanese's use was added to the on-line Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary in 2025.[9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]
- ^ "What Is "Delulu"? Ananya Pandey Uses Viral Gen Z Word On Koffee With Karan". Offbeat. NDTV.com. 10 November 2023. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ a b c Khedun-Burgoine, Brittany (2022). "How do I make Oppa Sarang Me?": resemiotisation and reconstruction of meaning in the global anglophone K-pop fandom (DPhil thesis). University of Oxford. doi:10.5287/ora-6qe522qdy.
- ^ Munson, Olivia (3 December 2023). "What does 'delulu' mean? Whether on Tiktok or text, here's how to use the slang term". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ Wong, Brittany (23 December 2023). "What's The Deal With Everyone Saying 'Delulu'?". HuffPost UK. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ a b Addae, Yaa (23 November 2023). "Who Are You Calling 'Delulu'?". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ a b c Demopoulos, Alaina (8 November 2023). "Going 'delulu': being delusional is the new manifesting". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ Sharma, Yashee (26 March 2025). "'Delulu with no solulu': Anthony Albanese rolls out Gen Z slang to criticise opposition as tax cuts pass lower house". 9news.com.au. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ Cassidy, Caitlin; McLeod, Catie (27 March 2025). "Albanese thinks the Coalition is 'delulu with no solulu' – but what does it mean?". Guardian Australia. Archived from the original on 11 June 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Delulu, tradwife, and skibidi all enter the Cambridge Dictionary". ABC News. 18 August 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2025.