Merriam-Webster’s 2026 Word of the Year selection is shaped by the explosive rise of “maxxing” slang, which Dictionary.com named its top term just days ago after searches and usage surged nearly 19-fold amid Gen Z optimization trends like looksmaxxing and proteinmaxxing. The publisher already added “looksmaxxing” to its dictionary in September 2026 alongside 1,400 other entries reflecting online culture, giving the term strong momentum as a cultural frontrunner. Traders watch for how Merriam-Webster weighs viral internet slang against broader themes like AI or affordability, with the announcement typically landing in late November or early December. Historical patterns favor words capturing widespread search spikes and media attention, though the process remains opaque until the official reveal.