Slang dictionary
goblin mode
[ gob-lin mohd ]
What is goblin mode?
Goblin mode is a slang term for a way of behaving that intentionally and shamelessly gives in to and indulges in base habits and activities without regard for adhering to social norms or expectations.
The behaviors thought to constitute goblin mode vary from person to person, but it’s commonly associated with things like consuming “junky” food and media and disregarding one’s appearance and sometimes hygiene. Goblin mode is most often used to refer to a temporary state, such as one entered on weekends or after work, but this is not always the case.
Example: This weekend I went into goblin mode and ate a bucket of ice cream in my underwear while watching reality shows.
The phrase is typically used to be at least somewhat humorous and is commonly applied to oneself as a way of embracing such behavior. Since the term refers to a mode of behavior, it’s often used in phrases like enter goblin mode and go full goblin mode.
Goblin mode is often considered the opposite of and a reaction to the kinds of healthy, organized, productive habits and lifestyles that are commonly presented (and glorified) in highly curated social media content.
Goblin mode is also sometimes used in reference to people and animals who suddenly become “wild.”
Where does goblin mode come from?
Goblin mode likens indulgent, base behavior—basically doing whatever one wants—to that of a goblin, a type of fictional creature known for being ugly and mischievous or evil. The word mode refers to a manner of acting or behaving.
Early uses of the phrase goblin mode to refer to a certain type of behavior appeared on social media in 2009 and 2010.
m was in full hyperactive goblin mode last night. it was as if she ate a bag of sugar-coated candy, then washed it down with a few red bulls
— jen f (@jenniferdujour) February 10, 2009
Use of the term significantly increased in early 2022. In February, the phrase gained mainstream attention after being used in a fake headline referencing actress Julia Fox that went viral.
The phrase is often used as part of memes or posts depicting unflattering and indulgent behavior.
Is it just me or do things just seem to be getting more unreal every day? If this universe is a simulation, someone turned that dial up to goblin mode and walked away from the controls
— Ahmed Baba (@AhmedBaba_) May 19, 2022
Examples of goblin mode
Who uses goblin mode?
Goblin mode is perhaps most commonly used by people who apply it to themselves and their base and indulgent behavior. It’s usually meant to be at least somewhat humorous.
After a weekend looking 10/10 I am returning to goblin mode for a bit because life is about balance
— Mollie Goodfellow (@hansmollman) March 28, 2022
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of goblin mode like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of goblin mode that will help our users expand their word mastery.