What does 'delulu' mean on TikTok? A look inside the viral phenomenon cracking us up

Our FYPs are inundated, but what does 'delulu' mean on TikTok? We'll fill you in on the LOL trend

What does delulu mean on TikTok? Pictured: woman on phone with her friends
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Delusional: characterized by or holding false beliefs. "Delulu": characterized by or holding false beliefs...and staying positive. 

On the heels of the Barbie Manifestation Method comes another trendy TikTok term that might seem comedic, but some believe could have motivation behind it. Exactly what does "delulu" mean on TikTok, and why is it taking over our FYPs? We'll give you the scoop. 

What does 'delulu' mean on TikTok?

Just as it sounds, "delulu" references those unrealistic moments that somehow still leave you with a glimmer of hope, like when you think it's still possible for your favorite Love Island couple to hold out a few more weeks and win the season, though it's pretty unlikely. (Love Island USA season 5 fans, we're talking to you). Maybe you're a little delulu about that rumored Harry Styles/Taylor Swift collab. Heck, maybe you're in denial about that delusionship you found yourself in this summer. 

Whatever the case might be, delulu is taking over and showing no signs of slowing down, raking in millions of views with every post. Hey, sometimes you need a little levity, and there's nothing wrong with indulging in a few viral videos. Go ahead, you have our permission!

'Delulu' examples that made us LOL

So, you have yet to see a "delulu" video out in the wild? We're not sure that's possible, but just in case, here are a few examples that gave us the chuckles.

@gizemkuruca

♬ original sound - gizemkuruca
@tatertottyhotty

♬ i still love you - grimace
@katieritchiie

♬ original sound - Katie

Will 'delulu' become a new manifesting technique?

While some might argue that we shouldn't live in a fantasy, others believe that this trendy TikTok term could be a new way to stay positive and potentially turn our dreams into reality. It could be a way to manifest! Maybe a delulu mentality could be the new glass half-full. 

We're going to call it what it is: a funny trend. However, we will make the case for manifesting, particularly right now. Though the lucky Lions Gate Portal is about to come to a close until next year, we're going to be presented with clarity and be able to move forward without things weighing us down. In astrological terms, the upcoming fall equinox is going to be just what the doctor ordered. 

"We're going to have a better idea of how we want to move forward with everything that happened," our in-house astrologer, Narayana Montúfar, said. "We're not going to feel uninspired. We're going to be ready to tackle anything and know what we want to focus our energy on. We're going to be more focused."

But for the moment, we're feeling a lil' bit unfocused and getting a kick out of being delulu. Enjoy hopping down the TikTok rabbit hole that is your FYP.

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.