Merriam-Webster has announced that its word of the year for 2025 is “slop,” a term reflecting the evolving landscape of digital content significantly influenced by artificial intelligence. Defined as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence,” the term underscores a growing concern within the realm of social media and online communications.
In a statement, Merriam-Webster’s president, Greg Barlow, emphasized the illustrative nature of the word. He explained that it portrays the transformation brought about by AI technology, which has become a source of fascination, annoyance, and even ridicule for many. “Like slime, sludge, and muck, slop has the wet sound of something you don’t want to touch. Slop oozes into everything,” the dictionary explained, signifying a tone that is less fearful and more mocking in the face of AI’s pervasive influence.
The term “slop” has been common in discussions concerning how various AI platforms, such as OpenAI’s Sora and Google Gemini’s Veo, are reshaping the internet. A study released in May revealed that nearly 75% of all new web content produced that month involved some aspect of AI generation. This rise in AI-generated material has also given birth to what some are calling a “slop economy,” where vast quantities of low-quality content compete for advertising revenue, fuelling concerns that such a model creates a divide between those who can access higher-quality content and those relegated to lesser, less informative digital offerings.
Furthermore, “slop” has transcended traditional media discussions and is now describing issues across varied fields, including cybersecurity, legal documentation, and even academic writing. Its implications are far-reaching, pointing to a digital landscape increasingly saturated with AI-generated content.
Interestingly, other dictionaries have also highlighted tech-related terms this year. Macquarie Dictionary chose “AI slop” as its annual term, while Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year was “ragebait,” and Collins Dictionary opted for “vibe coding.” This trend of tech-focused words emphasizes the impact that technology, particularly AI, is having on language and communication in contemporary society.
As conversations about the quality of digital content continue, the selection of “slop” as a term encapsulates a crucial moment in recognizing and critiquing the role of AI in our daily interactions online. This acknowledgment also carries a hopeful message that as the digital landscape evolves, there could be a shift towards valuing quality over quantity in the content we consume.