Is being delulu a good thing?
episodeTranscript
jump: chapters · speakers · find in transcriptTranscript
Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Imagine setting your makeup, then forgetting it's even there. Meet new grippy setting mist from Maybelline New York. Gel to Mist technology locks in your look for up to 24 hours with flexible, all-day comfy grip. No tightness, no stickiness, no residue. Just plump, dewy, hydrated skin that still feels like your skin. Try new grippy setting mist from Maybelline New York. Maybe it's
Maybelline.
What does “delulu is the solulu” mean, and why is it trending on TikTok?
Is being DeLulu a good thing? Thanks for asking. You
guys, I have something to tell you. May all your DeLulu come to Lulu. Because being DeLulu is the Salulu. Absolute.
The clip you just listened to comes from American influencer Bianca Bernardo on TikTok. Now you might be saying to yourself, what the heck do those crazy words mean? So let me translate for you. What Bianca Bernardo is actually saying is effectively, may all your fantasies become reality. And she's just one of many people posting about Delulu. The Delulu hashtag has racked up over 6 billion views on TikTok. It's more than just an online trend, too. Delulu is genuinely morphing into something of a philosophy or coping mechanism for Gen Z to deal with reality.
What does “delulu” mean, and where did the term come from?
So what does Delulu actually mean? The term is derived from delusional and it's used to refer to someone who either avoids confronting reality or just flat out refuses to accept it. Being Delulu involves pretending that reality is better than it is or shaping it to your advantage. It's like a quirky and ironic take on positive thinking. The term first popped up about 10 years ago to describe super passionate and borderline obsessed K-pop fans who genuinely believed in the possibility that they could form a romantic connection with their idols. They felt that their time invested in fandom was equivalent to being in a real relationship. So the essence of Delulu is to have unwavering self-confidence, firmly believing in one's abilities and future success, even in the face of setbacks.
It's not just about having a celebrity crush, though. The Delulu philosophy has crept into the romantic and even professional lives of Gen Z. What are some real-life examples of being Delulu, then?
How can a delulu mindset help Gen Z in careers and relationships?
For many young folks, Delulu is a mindset that helps them keep forging ahead with optimism in an era where the climate crisis, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties are at best disheartening and at worst deeply troubling. Adopting a Delulu mindset might involve confidently showcasing one's skills to employers instead of downplaying them. In your love life, it could embolden you to express your feelings to someone you think is out of your league.
Can being delulu help people overcome career self-doubt?
In July 2023, an article on Fortune.com said that being Delulu was the new Gen Z trend for hacking career success. The article was written by Rachel Shin, who suggested that embracing Delulu in the professional sphere could help counteract imposter syndrome, particularly for those who face systemic discrimination like people of color or women. Is Delulu kind of like avoiding reality? Well, exactly.
When can self-delusion become harmful, and how can you keep it grounded?
So it's really important to exercise caution. When extolling the virtues of the Delulu philosophy, you have to keep in mind structural inequalities such as economic disparities, racism or sexism. Self-delusion can also have negative repercussions like mishandling frustration when reality doesn't align with our desires. In matters of love, you must know not to persist if the object of your affection doesn't reciprocate. Bear in mind though that in general the Delulu philosophy comes with a healthy dose of self-mockery and irony. There you have it. Now you know whether or not being Delulu can be a good thing. In under three minutes we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines.
Listen along and you will really know for sure.
No segments match your search.
Select any passage to copy it with its citation or turn it into a shareable card.
Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:31
2
What does “delulu is the solulu” mean, and why is it trending on TikTok?
0:31–1:26
3
What does “delulu” mean, and where did the term come from?
1:26–2:30
4
How can a delulu mindset help Gen Z in careers and relationships?
2:30–2:57
5
Can being delulu help people overcome career self-doubt?
2:57–3:24
6
When can self-delusion become harmful, and how can you keep it grounded?
3:24–4:15