Why Language Matters: Les Alfred Explores How ‘Delulu’ Is Rewiring Our Brains Against Hope

“I don’t think having big dreams is delusional. I don’t think hoping for the best is delusional,” She’s So Lucky host Les Alfred states. “The word ‘delusional’ refers to beliefs that are unrealistic.” 

That’s Alfred pushing back against one of this year’s most viral words.  “Delulu”—internet slang for delusional—has made its way from TikTok into everyday conversations about everything from career goals to relationship aspirations. But has the word strayed too far from its original meaning? Is casually labeling optimism as delusion, argues Alfred, doing more psychological damage than we realize?

Her perspective isn’t about rolling her eyes at slang. Rather, it’s a reminder that words carry weight. When we dismiss our own desires as “delulu,” it changes how we think about ambition—and perhaps how we feel about ourselves.

So, how can a fun Internet term undermine the optimism we need more of?

‘Delulu’ May Be Doing More Harm Than Good

“Delulu” is overused

“I think that we are really overdoing it with the word delusional,” Alfred says, in what she calls an “unpopular opinion.”

She further explains, “I appreciate a little hope and wonder, but I believe we are stretching the meaning of ‘delusional’ too far. It’s not healthy for your mindset to label any form of positivity or optimism as delusion.

Her message is a gentle reminder that optimism and delusion are not the same things. One is necessary to survive. The other requires treatment and care.

Big dreams aren’t delusional

When discussing ambition, Alfred emphasizes that your dreams can take you as far as you want—and you don’t need to trick yourself into accepting anything less. “Delusional describes a state of holding false beliefs that are not based on reality despite contrary evidence,” Alfred explains, after reading the dictionary definition during the episode. “While it is often associated with mental health conditions, it can also colloquially describe someone with unrealistic expectations or unusual behavior.” Aiming for a better job, a more fulfilling relationship, or exciting adventures in life shouldn’t be seen as unrealistic. Instead, ask yourself, “Am I telling myself a story that makes me feel unworthy of good things? Is calling my desires ‘delulu’ a way of managing my expectations or a method of undermining myself before others can?”

She notes that this definition underscores the importance of language—and that’s why she’s mindful of how the word is being used.

Reframing what’s possible

To illustrate how widely used the slang has become, Alfred points to everyday scenarios. “If someone mentions being delusional and you ask what ‘delusional’ thing they’re hoping for, and they say, ‘I want a new job,’ I don’t think that’s delusional. If I say, ‘I want a new job that pays twice what I earn now,’ that’s not delusional either. I believe you can achieve that.”

In other words, it’s not about unrealistic fantasies. It’s about desiring things many of us already view as achievable. “I want Oscar Isaac naked in the bathtub with rose petals” is delulu, while “I want a partner who isn’t afraid to be romantic with me” is not. Don’t convince yourself that what you want is unattainable or not meant for you.

Language matters, and it shapes reality

Alfred wraps everything up by returning to the notion of possibility. “It’s not delusional to aspire to have the job you want, the house you want, the love you want, or the vacation you want. It’s not delusional. You can achieve it,” she asserts.

The episode isn’t about policing slang. It’s about recognizing the narratives we create for ourselves. When the internet trivializes life’s positive aspirations as “delulu,” it risks turning hope into a punchline. As Alfred reminds us, that’s not the intention behind the word.

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