Merriam-Webster Names 'Slop' Word of the Year

Merriam-Webster Declares "Slop" as 2025 Word of the Year

The pervasive influence of artificial intelligence on social media and online content hasn't escaped the attention of leading linguistic authorities. Merriam-Webster has announced "slop" as its word of the year for 2025, reflecting the surge of AI-generated material across the internet.

Defining "Slop" in the Digital Age

The dictionary defines "slop" as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.” This definition acknowledges the increasing volume of content created through AI technologies.

Merriam-Webster draws parallels to words like slime, sludge, and muck, noting that "slop" evokes a similarly unpleasant sensation. The term is described as having a “wet sound of something you don’t want to touch.”

A Tone of Mockery, Not Fear

The selection of "slop" is intentional. The dictionary explains it conveys “a tone that’s less fearful, more mocking” regarding the advancements in AI. It represents a shift in public perception.

Greg Barlow, president of Merriam-Webster, emphasized the word’s descriptive power. He stated it captures the multifaceted reaction to AI – finding it both fascinating, irritating, and somewhat absurd.

The Proliferation of AI-Generated Content

The term "slop" has gained prominence this year as media outlets and commentators analyze the transformative effects of platforms like OpenAI’s Sora and Google Gemini’s Veo. These tools are reshaping the internet landscape.

Consequently, AI is now generating a wide array of content, including books, podcasts, songs, commercials, and even full-length movies. A recent study indicated that approximately 75% of new web content published last month involved some form of AI assistance.

The Rise of the "Slop Economy"

This influx of AI-generated content has fostered what some are calling a “slop economy.” This refers to the practice of monetizing large volumes of low-quality, AI-produced material through advertising.

Concerns are growing that this trend could exacerbate existing divisions within online communities. A potential outcome is a disparity between those who can access premium, paywalled content and those relegated to a diet of "slop," which often lacks substantial informational depth.

Beyond Traditional Media

The impact of "slop," and by extension AI, extends beyond typical media consumption. It's influencing fields like cybersecurity reporting, legal documentation, and even academic writing, such as college essays.

Other Tech Terms Recognized

Other dictionaries have also highlighted technology-related terms this year. Macquarie Dictionary selected “AI slop” as its word of the year, while Oxford Dictionary chose “ragebait.” Collins Dictionary opted for “vibe coding.”

• Merriam-Webster: "Slop"
• Macquarie Dictionary: "AI slop"
• Oxford Dictionary: "Ragebait"
• Collins Dictionary: "Vibe coding"