Delulu Meaning: Definition, Origins & More

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A closer look at the popular Gen-Z buzzword (and where it came from)
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“Delulu” is just one of the latest additions to the internet’s vocabulary, courtesy of Gen-Z’s ever-evolving slang vernacular. This word is often used to poke at the “delusional” behavior of especially devoted celebrity fans—but it can have a positive meaning, too. Read on to learn everything there is to know about this buzzword, including where it came from and how you can use it. We also spoke to influencer and content creator Jessica Lizarraga for deeper insights.

Things You Should Know

  • “Delulu” comes from the word “delusional”. It's used to jokingly describe someone's lack of self awareness or wild expectations, especially in their love life.
  • “Delulu” can also refer to a mindset of self-confidence, inner positivity, and self-belief.
  • The term “delulu” was first used in 2014 on an online K-Pop forum to complain about delusional fan behavior.
Section 1 of 4:

What does delulu mean?

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  1. It’s not strange to see the word “delulu” used in a romantic/dating vein, often as a way to poke fun at people who believe they have a deep romantic connection with someone for a mundane reason. [1] According to Lizarraga, "Being ‘delulu’ over another person in a romantic sense, means that someone is foolishly optimistic about a love interest, especially when the infatuation is clearly one sided. It is a play on the word delusional to poke fun at someone who is clearly aiming for someone out of their league."
    • "He totally ghosted me, but I’m going to remain delulu until he comes crawling back.
    • “I came home after our first date and told my roommates that they were going to be my future spouse. I'm so delulu.”
    • “He totally ghosted me, and yet I still think he's going to come crawling back and ask me to be his girlfriend. Delulu behavior!”
    • “He literally told me that he cheated on all of his ex girlfriends, and I thought he'd be loyal to me. I was really in my peak delulu era!”
    • “He asked her what the homework was last night, and now she thinks they’re dating. She’s so delulu…”
    • “This is getting pretty delulu, dude. You triple-texted him a week ago and he left you on read…”
    • “Whack me over the head if I ever start acting this delulu LOL”
  2. You’ve probably seen it before: a fan who thinks they have a special connection with a celebrity for a nonsensical reason (like making eye contact during a concert), or someone who goes off the handle whenever someone criticizes their favorite star. The word “delulu” is a handy way to describe these unrealistic mindsets. [2] Lizarraga says, "It's not uncommon for fans to trick themselves into thinking that their relationship to these public figures is more personal than it actually is. So to poke fun at this ‘fan behavior,’ the term mocks those who believe they have a closer relationship to these public figures than they actually do."
    • “Call me delulu, but when Harry Styles blew a kiss into the crowd, I swear it was for me!”
    • “I saw the most delulu comment on Taylor Swift’s Instagram yesterday…”
    • “I swear, some K-Pop stans are so delulu… imagine harassing other people over a guy who doesn’t know you exist 😭”
    • “That one celeb had to break up with his partner because his fans were too delulu 😓”
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  3. For some people, being “delulu” is a fun, cheeky way to believe in themselves, even if the odds aren’t necessarily in their favor. [3]
    • The start of delulu being used as a positive affirmation can arguably be credited to TikTok user biancaxb08, who coined the now famous phrase “being delulu is the solulu” (being delusional is the solution). [4]
    • Lizarrago explains, "As high achievers with ambitious goals may seem 'delusional' at the beginning about where their life is headed, many persist in the vision and 'delusion' until their goals manifest. When a person refers to themselves as delulu, it describes their unwavering faith in themselves and their potential, but also signals a level of self-awareness that they may come across as overly ambitious."
      • For example, “My goal in life is to be a singer, and I will remain delulu until I’m selling out arenas.”
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Use Delulu

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  1. Chances are, you’ll stumble across your fair share of delulu behavior, both in your real life and your digital one. Feel free to text a friend if you witness someone being delulu, or leave a comment calling out delulu behavior. [5]
    • “Stop being so delulu, bro. You know she’s married and has kids, right? 💀”
    • “They’re delulu. They seriously need to touch some grass…”
    • “Look at this tweet I found. Some people are seriously delulu it’s actually insane…”
    • Note: It might be better to comment on/criticize “delulu” behavior in a private setting, rather than engaging with someone publicly.
  2. Applying for a school that feels a little out of your league, or angling for that promotion? Channel some “delulu” energy as you dare to believe in yourself and what you’re capable of. [6]
    • Being “delulu” and putting yourself out there more can open the door for new opportunities. It can also be a helpful way to silence your unproductive doubts and concerns.
    • Embracing a more “delulu” attitude can make it easier to view your future through a more positive lens, along with other productive habits like practicing gratitude and saying positive affirmations .
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Section 3 of 4:

Origins of Delulu

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  1. On April 6, 2014, a OneHallyu (a now-defunct K-Pop forum) user coined the term “delulu” to refer to K-Pop fans speculating on the relationship status of 2 K-Pop figures. From there, the word “delulu” spread to other corners of the internet and social media, like TikTok. [7]
Section 4 of 4:

Related Gen-Z Slang

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  1. "Delulu" is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Gen-Z slang. Check out these other popular Gen-Z slang phrases and what they mean:
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M4gJ1yJhIRE
      2. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=delulu
      3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2023/09/21/is-delulu-really-the-solulu-a-psychologist-explores-the-new-tiktok-trend/
      4. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@biancaxb08/video/7270227105588415790?lang=en
      5. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=delulu
      6. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2023/09/21/is-delulu-really-the-solulu-a-psychologist-explores-the-new-tiktok-trend/
      7. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/delulu

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