Delulu means out of touch with reality: it describes someone who believes in something that isn't true, usually because they want it to be. The word is playful; people use it to tease themselves and their friends when someone hopes for the impossible. In a message to a colleague, an essay or IELTS Speaking, unrealistic works: I was a bit unrealistic about my chances.
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be (so/a bit) delulu; delulu + about + noun/-ing; stop being delulu
- I know I'm delulu, but I still think he's going to text me back.
- She's a bit delulu about getting promoted after just two months.
- Stop being delulu, we can't afford a villa in Italy on our salaries.
What changed
First versionDear Ms Collins, I'm afraid the client is a bit delulu about the deadline.
RevisionDear Ms Collins, I'm afraid the client is a bit unrealistic about the deadline.
This is a business email, and delulu is a playful word for chatting with friends. Said about a client, it also sounds rude. Unrealistic about the deadline gives the same meaning politely: the client expects the impossible.
Delulu has a standard relative: deluded. The meaning is similar, but deluded sounds harsh and judgemental: He's deluded if he thinks the boss will agree. Delulu is softer, and people often say it about themselves: I know I'm delulu, but let me dream.
Your turn
He watched one video about trading and now thinks he'll be a millionaire by summer. He's so ___.
Show the answer
delulu — He seriously believes one video will make him a millionaire by summer, and that's delulu. Salty means upset or annoyed, and nobody here is angry.
Write to a friend about a hope of yours that won't come true. Say what you're hoping for and admit that it's unrealistic.
I'm totally delulu, but I still hope my favourite band will play a concert in my small town.
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