delulu
{{Short description|Internet slang for "delusional"}}
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Delulu ({{IPAc-en|d|ə|ˈ|l|uː|l|uː|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-delulu.wav}}) is an internet slang term used to describe the belief that one can influence one's own destiny through sheer willpower. Derived from the English-language word delusional, the term has its origins in K-pop communities where the term delulu is used to refer to individuals who were in a parasocial relationship with celebrities and had hopes of meeting them someday. The term has subsequently been adopted by Generation Z and Generation Alpha, popularized by viral TikTok trends such as the catchphrase "delulu is the solulu", implying that self-confidence is key to achieving one's dreams, however far-fetched. Solulu and trululu are slang terms for "solution" and "truth" respectively, and they are modeled after delulu.
Origins
Derived from the English word delusional, the term delulu has its origins in internet communities obsessed with K-pop culture, such as the OneHallyu Forum active around 2013 and 2014.{{Cite news |last= |date=2023-11-10 |title=What Is "Delulu"? Ananya Pandey Uses Viral Gen Z Word On Koffee With Karan |url=https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/delulu-is-the-solulu-what-the-trending-k-pop-gen-z-phrase-means-4563486 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114235257/https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/delulu-is-the-solulu-what-the-trending-k-pop-gen-z-phrase-means-4563486 |archive-date=2023-11-14 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=NDTV.com |department=Offbeat}} In these forums, the term "delulu" was often used in a derogatory manner. Used as an adjective or a noun, it referred to individuals who harbored unrealistic hopes of meeting a celebrity of whom they were a fan, indicating a parasocial relationship characterized by delusional beliefs.{{Cite news |last=Munson |first=Olivia |date=2023-12-03 |title=What does 'delulu' mean? Whether on Tiktok or text, here's how to use the slang term. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2023/12/03/delulu-meaning-tiktok-text-slang/71509043007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221161619/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2023/12/03/delulu-meaning-tiktok-text-slang/71509043007/ |archive-date=2023-12-21 |access-date=2024-01-21 |work=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} The term was often also used by users in the context of joking about being deluded themselves.{{Cite thesis |last=Khedun-Burgoine |first=Brittany |title="How do I make Oppa Sarang Me?": resemiotisation and reconstruction of meaning in the global anglophone K-pop fandom |date=2022 |degree=DPhil |publisher=University of Oxford |url=https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:785cb0d4-965a-4a30-88ba-2c50362cc7ad |doi=10.5287/ora-6qe522qdy |language=en}}
Another significant area where the term delulu crops up in K-pop culture is in its use surrounding shipping and stan cultures, used to refer to fans who latch to any interaction between two celebrities as proof of them dating or being in a relationship of some kind.
Modern usage
Since late 2022, the term has enjoyed a resurgence amongst Generation Z and Generation Alpha due to various viral trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. As of December 2023, TikTok had recorded over five billion views of the hashtag #delulu.{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Brittany |date=2023-12-23 |title=What's The Deal With Everyone Saying 'Delulu'? |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/whats-the-deal-with-everyone-saying-delulu_uk_6582c936e4b0d9bdbf6839ef |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118060920/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/whats-the-deal-with-everyone-saying-delulu_uk_6582c936e4b0d9bdbf6839ef |archive-date=2024-01-18 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=HuffPost UK |language=en}} Multiple creators have embraced the term "delulu", including incorporating it as part of their short-form videos.
The catchphrase "delulu is the solulu" has been coined by influencers, which implies that self-confidence is the solution to career decisions.{{Cite news |last=Demopoulos |first=Alaina |date=2023-11-08 |title=Going 'delulu': being delusional is the new manifesting |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/nov/08/delulu-tiktok-trend-manifesting-self-belief |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119123525/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/nov/08/delulu-tiktok-trend-manifesting-self-belief |archive-date=2024-01-19 |access-date=2024-01-21 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB}}
Despite its derogatory origins, the term has taken on a new meaning. In its modern form, it is used to denote the idea that one could influence one's life position through utter force of will, drawing parallels to the "manifesting" movement kicked off by Oprah Winfrey in the 2000s or the "fake it till you make it" aphorism prevalent during the 1970s.{{Cite news |last=Addae |first=Yaa |date=2023-11-23 |title=Who Are You Calling 'Delulu'? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/23/style/delulu-tiktok-gen-z-millenials.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222142036/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/23/style/delulu-tiktok-gen-z-millenials.html |archive-date=2023-12-22 |access-date=2024-01-21 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US}}
On 27 March 2025, during a parliamentary speech, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used the term delulu while criticizing 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.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-26 |title=PM trots out Gen Z slang to criticise opposition for voting against tax cuts |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/federal-budget-2025-anthony-albanese-says-the-coalition-is-delulu-with-no-solulu/d8b3b420-c45c-4274-9d29-54e02cfe8767 |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.9news.com.au}}
A VTuber musical unit under Nijisanji, Voltaction, use the theme in one of their song, "De Lu Lu".{{Cite web |title=「VOLTACTION」1st Mini Album『Action!!!!!!!!!!!!』発売記念！収録楽曲『De Lu Lu』を先行デジタルリリース！さらにMVも公開！ |url=https://www.nijisanji.jp/news/9zo6o0w6wgz |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=にじさんじ |language=ja |quote=新しいのにどこか懐かしく心温まる曲になるよう制作しました。DeluluはDelusional（妄想）の、SoluluはSolution(解決策)の略語で、SNSの流行語「Delulu is the Solulu」は「妄想こそ解決策」という意味です。「恋は盲目でいいじゃん！」と頑張る恋を全面的に肯定する歌です。}}
References
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{{Reflist}}
{{Generation Z slang}}
Category:Generation Alpha slang