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.

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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    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]
    • “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”
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    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]
    • “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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    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]
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Use Delulu

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    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.
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    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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    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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