As 2023 draws to a close, the customary reflection upon the year's most noteworthy words is due. For the Collins English Dictionary the word of the year is AI, Artificial Intelligence. Yet there is a term that is fascinating many of us, especially the Gen Z demographic, an intriguing term that has got a lovely musicality about it - "delulu" (pronounced "dih-loo-loo").
Despite its initial appearance as a whimsical yet seemingly vacuous term, "delulu" possesses a precise meaning derived from "delusional." Originating in the K-Pop fan community about a decade ago, it initially referred to fans with unrealistic aspirations of romantic involvement with their idols, investing an excessive amount of time and energy in these fantasies.
Since 2022, the term has transcended its origins and gained currency on platforms like TikTok and can be found printed on countless shirts available from a variety of retailers and sites, from Amazon to Etsy (bizarre how the "I Love Being Delulu" slogan hasn't been co-opted yet by more prominent brands or fashion houses... will it happen one day soon?). Now the term serves as slang for "delusional" in a broader sense. It characterizes individuals with unrealistic or overly idealistic beliefs and fantasies, extending beyond celebrity obsessions to encompass various facets of life.
While it originally carried a negative connotation, mocking those with impractical expectations, the term's usage has evolved. On TikTok, it is often employed lightheartedly or sarcastically, exemplified by the popular mantra, "Delulu is the solulu," where "solulu" denotes "solution". This phrase encourages adopting a positive perspective, leading to a level of unshakeable self-confidence that some might consider delusional, ultimately bringing success in one's endeavors.
In essence, embracing the "delulu" mindset implies disregarding external opinions, charting one's course, and adopting an optimistic outlook. It is seen as a crucial element for happiness, requiring a steadfast belief in the possibility and worthiness of one's aspirations.
While this approach may not resonate with cynical, somber adults (me included), younger generations find solace within the concept of being "delulu." Contrary to assumptions, being "delulu" does not necessarily equate to self-deception; it involves replacing negative beliefs with positive ones and rewriting the narratives often imposed by adults.
For young people, being "delulu" is a coping mechanism, a means of addressing insecurities, dispelling them, and navigating the challenges of life. Amidst a world that adults may perceive as challenging, these individuals find humor and joy in the term, something we're not offering to young people anymore.
My nephews' school, which isn't exactly the poshest and strictest private college on earth, but an ordinary grammar school in a town in the centre-south of Italy, thinks it is a "competitive environment forming tomorrow's leaders". I find it disturbing. In a post-Covid world in which conflicts are ruling supreme, these kids should be taught to socialize and love each other and not to compete in a useless rat race.
So, yes, let them be delulu. Let them make up a relationship with a star and let them think that the videos they are shooting will be watched by millions of people and spawn a trend (who says they won't?).
What? In your opinion this concept is superficial and childish? It is terribly unrealistic and hopelessly silly? Maybe, but who am I to tell them that an attempt at trying to be happy and putting up a humorous fight against insecurities and societal pressure is wrong? Nobody.
So, f*ck it, let them be blissfully delulu. If adopting this mindset allows them to pursue their dreams with enthusiasm, then so be it. I’ll be cheering for them and their "delulu is the solulu" mantra. 'Cos they deserve to be happy and fulfill their aspirations.
Actually, who knows, maybe next year among the most used 2024 words there will also be "delulu" together with "IJBOL" (I just burst out laughing) that recently substituted "LOL". Interestingly enough, the Collins English Dictionary shortlisted among the terms for word of the year 2023 also "canon event". This definition, taken from the animated film "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" and indicating an event that is essential to the formation of an individual's character or identity, gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, where it was transformed into a satirical but philosophical message of acceptance and personal growth. That teaches us embittered and boring adults to always pay attention to the emerging vocabulary on social platforms and to the voices of the young generations shaping them.
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