Street voices
Janna
·
United States
Just recorded
"Delulu, spelled D-E-L-U-L-U, is basically short for delusional and is typically used in like the relationship manner where, you know, it's like, it's a funny way. It's not a like, like proper like institutional delusion. It's basically picking up like random little hints that you're having from someone you're talking to and going like, oh my god, yeah, he's into me or she's into me or they're into me. An example would be, okay, so Brian asked for my notes, notes last time. And I saw him writing notes in class. So pretty sure he's into me. I'm just a Lulu."
What it means
Short for delusional, but make it cute. It started as a fandom thing, calling yourself delulu when you genuinely believed your favourite celebrity was going to marry you. Then TikTok grabbed it and ran. Now it's used for anyone who's got wildly unrealistic expectations about literally anything, from relationships to job prospects. The internet's favourite way of saying you're dreaming with your eyes open.
Usage examples
"She's convinced she's gonna bump into Timothée Chalamet at Whole Foods and they'll fall in love on the spot, fully delulu energy right there."
"I am fully delulu about winning the lottery this week, I have already planned the house, the dog, and the trip around the world."
Where it comes from
A cutesy clipping of delusional, born in fan communities for believing your idol might love you back. TikTok carried it everywhere, so now delulu tags any cheerfully unrealistic hope.
Editors of this term
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