Delulu

Definition:

Shortened version of "delusional" used to describe someone who holds wildly unrealistic beliefs or fantastical hopes, often about celebrities or romantic situations

Context:

The term "delulu" emerged in K-pop fan communities around 2014 to mock overly obsessed fans who harbored impossible fantasies about their favorite idols, such as believing a celebrity was secretly in love with them or that minor interactions held romantic significance. While initially used as a gentle rebuke within these fandoms, it exploded into mainstream Gen-Z vocabulary on TikTok & other platforms in 2022, evolving significantly to embrace a positive, self-aware irony (e.g. to combat insecurities while acknowledging ones own absurd expectations).

Uses & variations:

"Being delulu" - describing excessive confidence or unrealistic expectations
"I'm so delulu for [person]" - self-mockingly admitting an unrealistic crush
"Delulu is the solulu" - embracing unrealistic optimism as a solution / life strategy
"May all your delulu come trululu" - wishing someone's delusions come true

Example:

^{(all names & events in the
following scenario have been made
up)}

Dayvid: “Do you think the barista spelled my name wrong on purpose to flirt with me?”

Ryelee: “You're so delulu - they literally never spell anyone's name right.”