WatchWord · Ages 11-25 · In use
dogpiling
When lots of people gang up on one person online at once, in comments, replies or a group chat.
One person posted it and then the whole grade started dogpiling her.
For parents and educators
Even when each comment seems small, the total can be crushing. Research links it to low self-esteem and thoughts of self-harm, especially in teen girls. Talk about not joining in, even with a single emoji.
If you’re worried
If your child is the target, help them step away from the app, save screenshots, and report or block. Tell the school if classmates are involved. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. In crisis, call or text 988.
Where it came from
From football, where several players pile onto one. Used online since the Usenet days.
Also heard as
pile-on, dogpile, getting piled on