The year of delulu
Like many internet slang terms that evolve into memes, 'delulu' expanded beyond its niche and became a favorite in 2023.
As is often the case with internet slang, it originated in a specific corner of the web and gradually evolved into a meme. Emerging in 2014 in K-pop fan culture to describe fans with unrealistic beliefs, such as the hope of ending up with their favorite idol, 'delulu' has since joined the broader internet lexicon. By 2023, it transformed into a versatile term, used for everything from whimsical daydreaming to critiquing disconnected power figures, akin to 'boomers' or 'nepobabies.' The phrase can signify empowerment and self-assertion for some, highlighting personal belief and confidence. However, true to the nature of internet slang, it's often delivered with a playful, not-too-serious tone. It's as much a commentary on those who misunderstand or attempt to categorize "today's youth" - like the 'boomers' - as it is a statement of identity. This dual use reflects the layered and often tongue-in-cheek nature of online communication.
In contrast, using "delulu" in the context of critiquing power structures represents a different aspect of the term, where it becomes a tool for social or political commentary. This versatility highlights its use in diverse contexts, including political discourse, from commenting on dating to critiquing public figures and political leaders, exemplified in situations like the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
May all you deUlUlU become trululU
DELULU musk Mania
Musk’s nye påfund cybertruck blev kaldt delulu - om det er positivt eller negativt afhænger af, om du synes Musk er en genial opfinder eller en verdensfjern rigmand.
Delulu of the year
Taylor Swift being named Time Magazine's Person of the Year might well be seen as 'Delulu of the Year.' This perspective comes from the backlash that followed. E.g., SaintHoax on Instagram, recapped the year, touching on the Time Person of the Year controversy. Criticism arose about the cover's omission of those like Gaza's crisis victims, particularly in light of last year's pick, Ukrainian President Zelensky. Time faced criticism for perceived detachment. The Slow Factory, a non-profit, shared a cover alternative, focusing on Gaza's children
Delulu queen
Kim Kardashian has often been targeted with the term "delulu," particularly for her perceived out-of-this-world privilege blindness. Recently, in the context of her career moves, a commentator suggested that the channel hosting the Kardashian Show should be renamed from Hulu to 'Delulu.' The comedian Lisa Timmons puts it succinctly in her video, describing Kardashian as the ultimate "delulu queen.
CLIMATE DELULU
The term has further expanded into political and social critique. "Delulu" is now also used to challenge the unrealistic or ignorant attitudes of political leaders, in contexts like the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and climate crisis.
Reflecting on the evolution of "delulu,” it's evident how a single term can encapsulate the diverse and dynamic nature of internet slang. Its journey from a specific fan culture to broader societal contexts highlights the fluidity of digital language and its power to resonate across various platforms and discussions. "Delulu" stands not just as a word, but as a symbol of the adaptability and influence of online communication in shaping contemporary discourse.