- “Delulu” stems from the word “delusional” and is often used to highlight delusional behavior (like the parasocial relationships between fans and celebrities).
- “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.
What does delulu mean?
“Delulu” can describe a person with unrealistic expectations. 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. “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”
“Delulu” often describes delusional fan behavior. 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. “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 ????”
“Delulu” can also be a mentality of self-positivity and self-confidence. For some people, being “delulu” is a fun, cheeky way to believe in themselves, even if the odds aren’t necessarily in their favor. 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).
How to Use Delulu
Call out bizarre behavior with the word “delulu.” 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. “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.
Embrace the “delulu” mentality to reach greater heights in your own life. 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. 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.
Origins of Delulu
“Delulu” was first used by a critical fan on a K-Pop forum in 2014. 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.
Other Gen-Z Slang Terms
Touch some grass: you need a reality check “Touch some grass” is a common Gen-Z-era reply to a person who’s behaving in a stupid, pointless, or unrealistic way online (like engaging in a long-winded Twitter argument). Telling someone to “touch grass” is basically telling someone to step away from their computer and realign themselves with reality. “Why are you still talking about this? Go touch some grass” “My guy seriously needs to touch grass after that take…”
Stan: an obsessive fan A “stan” takes their enjoyment of a band/singer/celebrity to new, overzealous, and stalker-like levels. The term comes from Emimem’s 2000 song of the same name, which chronicles the story of a crazy fan named “Stan.” “Stan Twitter” refers to a corner of Twitter managed by overzealous fans (often related to K-Pop stars and K-Pop bands).
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