The Internet’s Favourite Fantasy, Now with a Hashtag
“Delulu is the solulu.” It started as a joke, now it’s practically a philosophy. But what does delulu actually mean?
Whether you’ve seen it stitched across TikTok edits, turned into a meme, or whispered by someone manifesting their future billionaire boyfriend, delulu is more than slang – it’s Gen Z’s audacious brand of optimism.
In fact, if you’ve been wondering what is the meaning of delulu or asking yourself “what is delulu,” you’re not alone.
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What Is Delulu?
Delulu is a shortened version of “delusional.” It originally surfaced in K-pop fandom forums around 2013–2014, specifically OneHallyu, to describe fans who truly believed they could date their idols. The term was often used in a mocking or self-aware tone.
But in true internet fashion, the insult got flipped. These days, being delulu means choosing belief over logic – and liking it that way. It’s being convinced the job is already yours before you even apply.
It’s treating a glance from a stranger like a love confession. Delulu is now a self-declared superpower. That’s why delulu meaning today is tied more to confidence than confusion.
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Delulu vs Solulu vs Trululu: What Do They Mean?
The phrase “delulu is the solulu” exploded on TikTok and Instagram in 2023. Translation? Being delusional is the solution.
This is where “solulu” (solution) and “trululu” (truth) enter the chat – both spinoffs that play on the original slang.
- Delulu = Delusional thinking, often humorous or exaggerated
- Solulu = The solution; self-confidence, manifesting, irrational belief
- Trululu = The truth, but with a wink; usually used ironically
If you’ve ever heard someone say “delulu is solulu meaning you’re not wrong for dreaming big,” they’re referencing the belief that irrational confidence might be your only strategy in a chaotic world.
How Did Delulu Go Mainstream?
By late 2022, the delulu mindset had moved far beyond K-pop and straight into TikTok feeds. Hashtags like #delulu racked up billions of views.
The widespread adoption of delulu as an internet slang term can be attributed to its integration into popular social media platforms like TikTok.
Influencers leaned into it, romanticising jobs they didn’t have yet, people who hadn’t texted back, or futures that hadn’t arrived.
This wasn’t just coping. It was strategy. Gen Z turned delulu into the ultimate mental life hack: act like the main character until life believes you.
Even Australia’s Prime Minister used it during a 2025 speech, calling the opposition “delulu with no solulu.”
Examples of Delulu Thinking in Real Life
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- Thinking your situationship is a soulmate just because they use emojis
- Walking into a room like you’re being filmed for a Vogue profile
- Believing you’ll get a promotion despite zero qualifications – and then somehow pulling it off
This is where delulu overlaps with manifestation. Except with a bigger splash of denial and a pinch of irony. In many ways, delulu is solulu meaning your mindset might be your most powerful asset.
Is Being Delulu Healthy or Harmful?
Psychologists have weighed in. When done in moderation, delulu thinking can boost confidence, encourage goal-setting, and offer a reprieve from harsh realities. But it can also tip into avoidance or self-sabotage if unchecked.
Experts recommend:
- Practising self-awareness: Know when you’re play-acting vs detaching from reality.
- Combining delulu with actual action: Manifest AND submit the job application.
- Staying grounded with gratitude and reflection.
The Delulu Mindset in Relationships
This is where things get messy. Delulu in love often shows up in TikTok comments like: “If he breathes near me, he wants me.”
While it’s mostly used playfully, constant delulu thinking in romantic contexts can inflate expectations or stir disappointment.
That said, Gen Z is aware of the satire. Most people using delulu are in on the joke. It’s performative belief, not pathological delusion.
Why Delulu Is the Solulu
In a world that feels increasingly unstable, delulu gives people a sense of control.
It’s less about lying to yourself and more about daring to believe you’re worthy of good things – loudly, publicly, and maybe irrationally.
So yes, delulu can be a little cringe. But it can also be magic. Whether you’re manifesting a soulmate or just hyping yourself up to send an email, delulu might just be the solulu.
FAQ
Q: What does delulu mean?
A: A slang word for “delusional,” used to describe humorous or exaggerated beliefs about yourself, your future, or your relationships.
Q: Where did delulu come from?
A: It originated in K-pop fandoms around 2013 and has since evolved into mainstream Gen Z slang.
Q: What does “delulu is the solulu” mean?
A: It means delusional thinking is the solution. Basically: fake it till you make it, Gen Z edition.
Q: What is solulu?
A: A playful term meaning “solution” – often used alongside delulu in TikTok trends.
Q: What is trululu?
A: Another slang variant meaning “truth,” typically used sarcastically.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Being delulu isn’t about losing touch with reality. It’s about reshaping it, with a mix of confidence, absurdity, and TikTok humour.
If you’ve been wondering about the meaning of delulu, or even searching “what is the meaning of delulu,” now you know: it’s the most online way to manifest your reality.
The next time someone accuses you of being delulu, take it as a compliment. After all, delulu might just be your solulu.
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