delulu

Delulu is short for “delusional.” It describes believing something unrealistic, usually about a crush, a celebrity or your own chances, and it is often used jokingly about yourself. The catchphrase “delulu is the solulu” turns it into a tongue-in-cheek motivational slogan.

What does delulu mean?

If you are convinced your favorite singer would definitely fall for you if you met, or that the person who liked your story is basically your partner now, you are being delulu. The word is lighter and more playful than “delusional,” and people use it to laugh at their own fantasies rather than to diagnose anyone.

The Cambridge Dictionary added delulu, defining it as believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to.

How to use it

• “He waved at the whole crowd but I’m deciding it was for me. I’m delulu.”
• “She thinks she’ll finish the essay in one hour. Delulu.”
• “Being a little delulu about my dream job is keeping me going.”
• “Delulu is the solulu, I’m applying anyway.”

Where it comes from

Delulu grew out of international K-pop fandom in the mid-2010s, where fans used it to tease people who believed they could date an idol. On TikTok the meaning softened. “Delulu is the solulu” (the delusion is the solution) became a joke-slash-mantra about manifesting big goals by believing in them a bit unreasonably.

Related terms

• bias: your favorite member of a K-pop group
• stan: a devoted fan
• situationship: a relationship with no label
• copium: comforting excuses you tell yourself
• rizz: charm, the ability to attract someone

See more terms like this in our Gen Z slang dictionary.