Got a headache trying to optimise every part of your life? There's a word for that: "maxxing".

The term refers to maximising or optimising an aspect of one's life, and has been named Dictionary.com's 2026 word of the year.

Announced on Sunday (Oct 25), the selection reflects the growing popularity of online slang used to describe ways to improve different aspects of life.

One familiar example is "looksmaxxing", which refers to attempts to enhance one's physical appearance through grooming, fitness or other changes.

The term has since evolved beyond appearance, with variations such as "sleepmaxxing" referring to efforts to improve sleep and "funmaxxing" describing the pursuit of enjoyment.

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The word can be used seriously by people seeking self-improvement, or ironically to describe everyday activities as ways of getting the most out of life.

Pop star Dua Lipa has also used the term "funmaxxing" in an Instagram post, according to social media analytics company Meltwater.

Another variation, "Chinamaxxing", gained attention as social media users embraced everyday Chinese habits, including drinking hot water and eating congee.

In March 2026, the Oxford English Dictionary added Singlish terms such as "BTO", "jialat" and "kaypoh", recognising how English continues to evolve, with local expressions becoming established through regular use. 

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helmy.saat@asiaone.com