The slang term “delulu” is a shorthand for “delusional,” commonly used on social media to describe someone who holds unrealistic or overly idealistic beliefs or fantasies. It’s often used to mock or criticize individuals with exaggerated expectations, particularly in areas like relationships or celebrity fandom, where people may have an idealized view that’s out of touch with reality.
Usage of “Delulu”:
“Delulu” is typically applied to situations where someone is seen as disconnected from the truth, holding onto far-fetched ideas or fantasies. For example, fans might be called “delulu” for believing they have a chance to date a celebrity or for supporting wild conspiracy theories about famous people. The term carries an informal, negative connotation, as it implies that the person being referred to is out of touch with reality.
Origins of “Delulu”:
The term originated within the K-Pop fan community, where it was used to criticize other fans for holding unrealistic beliefs or speculative theories about K-Pop idols. Since 2022, “delulu” has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and is now widely used beyond the K-Pop sphere to describe anyone who is seen as overly idealistic or disconnected from reality.