Delulu is an internet slang term used to describe the belief that one can influence one's own destiny through sheer willpower. Derived from the English-language word "delusional", the term has its origins in K-pop communities where the term delulu is used to refer to individuals who were in a parasocial relationship with celebrities and had hopes of meeting them someday. The term has subsequently been adopted by Generation Z and Generation Alpha, popularized by viral TikTok trends such as the catchphrase "delulu is the solulu", implying that self-confidence is key to achieving one's dreams, however far-fetched. Solulu and trululu are slang terms for "solution" and "truth" respectively, and they are modeled after delulu.
Derived from the English word "delusional", the term "delulu" has its origins in internet communities obsessed with K-pop culture, such as the OneHallyu Forum active around 2013 and 2014.[1] These forums were notorious for their toxicity, and the term "delulu" was often used in a derogatory manner. Used as an adjective or a noun, it referred to individuals who harbored unrealistic hopes of meeting a celebrity of whom they were a fan, indicating a parasocial relationship characterized by delusional beliefs.[2] The term was often also used by users in the context of joking about being deluded themselves.[3]
Another significant area where the term "delulu" crops up in K-pop culture is in its use surrounding shipping and stanning cultures, used to refer to fans who latch to any interaction between two celebrities as proof of them dating or being in a relationship of some kind.
Since late 2022, the term has enjoyed a resurgence amongst Generation Z and Generation Alpha due to various viral trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. As of December 2023, TikTok has recorded over five billion views of the hashtag #delulu.[4] Multiple creators have embraced the term "delulu", including incorporating it as part of their short-form videos. The catchphrase "delulu is the solulu" has been coined by influencers, which implies that self-confidence is the solution to career decisions.[5]
Despite its derogatory origins, the term has taken on a new meaning. In its modern form, it is used to denote the belief that one can influence one's own destiny through sheer willpower, drawing parallels to the "manifesting" movement kicked off by Oprah Winfrey in the 2000s or the "fake it till you make it" aphorism prevalent during the 1970s.[6]