Delulu

Delulu (/dəˈluːluː/ ⓘ) 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.[1][2] 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.[3] The term was often also used by users in the context of joking about being deluded themselves.[2]

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.[2]

Modern usage

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese (official portrait pictured) criticised opposition policies as "delulu with no solulu" in Parliament in 2025

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.[4] Multiple creators have embraced the term "delulu", including incorporating it as part of their short-form videos.[5][6]

The catchphrase "delulu is the solulu" has been coined by influencers, which implies that self-confidence is the solution to career decisions.[6]

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.[6][5]

In March 2025, during a parliamentary debate, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used the term delulu while criticising 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.[7][8] Albanese's use of the word was mentioned when it was added to the on-line Cambridge Dictionary in 2025.[9]

A VTuber musical unit under Nijisanji, Voltaction, used the theme in one of their songs, "De Lu Lu".[10]

References

Look up delulu in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
  1. ^ "What Is "Delulu"? Ananya Pandey Uses Viral Gen Z Word On Koffee With Karan". Offbeat. NDTV.com. 10 November 2023. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Khedun-Burgoine, Brittany (2022). "How do I make Oppa Sarang Me?": resemiotisation and reconstruction of meaning in the global anglophone K-pop fandom (DPhil thesis). University of Oxford. doi:10.5287/ora-6qe522qdy.
  3. ^ Munson, Olivia (3 December 2023). "What does 'delulu' mean? Whether on Tiktok or text, here's how to use the slang term". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  4. ^ Wong, Brittany (23 December 2023). "What's The Deal With Everyone Saying 'Delulu'?". HuffPost UK. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  5. ^ a b Addae, Yaa (23 November 2023). "Who Are You Calling 'Delulu'?". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Demopoulos, Alaina (8 November 2023). "Going 'delulu': being delusional is the new manifesting". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  7. ^ Sharma, Yashee (26 March 2025). "'Delulu with no solulu': Anthony Albanese rolls out Gen Z slang to criticise opposition as tax cuts pass lower house". 9news.com.au. Archived from the original on 26 March 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
  8. ^ Cassidy, Caitlin; McLeod, Catie (27 March 2025). "Albanese thinks the Coalition is 'delulu with no solulu' – but what does it mean?". Guardian Australia. Archived from the original on 11 June 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  9. ^ Delulu, tradwife and skibidi all enter the Cambridge Dictionary ABC News, 18 August 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  10. ^ "「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！" [To celebrate the release of VOLTACTION's first mini album, "Action!!!!!!!!!!!!", the track "De Lu Lu" has been released digitally in advance! The music video has also been released!]. にじさんじ (in Japanese). Retrieved 6 May 2025. 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。 [It was created to make it a new song, yet somehow nostalgic and heartwarming. Delulu is an abbreviation for Delusional, Solulu is an abbreviation for Solution, and the social media buzzword "Delulu is the Solulu" means "delusion is the solution." This song fully confirms the hard work of love by saying, "Love is fine to be blind!"]
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