goblin mode

American  

[gob-lin mohd] / ˈgɒb lɪn ˌmoʊd /

noun

Slang.

1. a way of behaving that intentionally disregards social expectations in favor of following one's own impulsive and self-indulgent desires.

   It's been a stressful week at work and I'm just going goblin mode this weekend.

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Etymology

Origin of goblin mode

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

It is the fourth consecutive year that the public have played a part in picking Oxford's word of the year, after an inaugural public vote in 2022 saw "goblin mode" prevail.

From Barron's • Dec. 1, 2025

Casper Grathwohl, president at Oxford Languages, said that while "goblin mode" had resonated with many people after the pandemic, "it's interesting to see a contrasting word like rizz come to the forefront".

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2023

A lot of writers I know were in their goblin mode.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2023

Filmmaker, activist and all-around mensch Michael Moore may dress like he's in goblin mode, but is decidedly not.

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2022

Despite being relatively unknown offline, goblin mode was the overwhelming favorite, winning 93% of the more than 340,000 votes cast.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2022