Merriam-Webster has announced its selection of the word “slop” as the 2025 Word of the Year. This term has gained increasing significance due to the rise of low-quality digital content produced by artificial intelligence, especially during the past year. Greg Barlow, the president of Merriam-Webster, emphasized the word’s illustrative nature, reflecting people’s concerns about the impact of AI-generated material.
Understanding “Slop”
Originally used in the 1700s to describe soft mud, “slop” has evolved to imply digital content of inferior quality. It captures a wide array of online materials, including:
- Absurd videos
- Weird advertising images
- Cheesy propaganda
- Fake news
- Low-quality AI-generated books
Barlow noted that the prevalence of such content has raised concerns about misinformation and deepfakes in today’s digital landscape.
The Role of AI in Content Creation
AI tools have made it easier than ever to create this type of content. For example, AI video generators can produce realistic clips based solely on text prompts. However, this ease of access has sparked controversy. Notably, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently shared a manipulated image of a popular cartoon character, which was intended to support U.S. military actions but instead illustrated the potential misuse of such technologies.
Public Reaction and Awareness
The increase in searches for the term “slop” signifies a growing awareness among the public regarding the nature of digital content. Barlow shared his belief that this awareness is a positive sign. People are seeking authenticity and genuine experiences in a media landscape filled with deception.
Merriam-Webster employs a systematic approach to determine its Word of the Year. Editors analyze search and usage data to find a word that encapsulates significant cultural or social trends of the year. Barlow explained that while many words consistently rank highly in searches, only one is chosen annually to represent the current moment.
Additional Words of Interest for 2025
Alongside “slop,” other notable words have emerged this year, including:
- 6-7: A viral term originating from a song that became popular over the summer.
- Performative: Used to describe disingenuous behavior, especially online.
- Touch grass: An expression advocating for real-world interactions over online experiences.
Lexicon Trends Over the Years
Merriam-Webster’s historical approach to selecting a Word of the Year has revealed changing vocabulary trends. Last year, “polarization” was selected, and previous years have highlighted terms such as “authentic,” “gaslighting,” and “vaccine.” Each chosen word reflects its particular context and social significance.
This year, “slop” serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by digital content proliferation and the enduring desire for more substantial, quality interactions in an increasingly AI-driven world.
