Merriam-Webster’S 2025 Word Of The Year: 'Slop' Takes Center Stage In The Age Of Ai

The Rise of 'Slop' in a Digital World

If you've been surfing the web lately and stumbled upon some janky videos or offbeat memes, you’ve probably encountered what Merriam-Webster has dubbed the word of the year for 2025: "slop." This evocative term has surged into popular use, thanks to the digital age's relentless tide of low-quality, AI-generated content.

Greg Barlow, the president of Merriam-Webster, shared insights in an exclusive sit-down with The Associated Press, revealing the rationale behind choosing "slop." "It’s such an illustrative word," Barlow remarked. "It captures the essence of how AI is reshaping the digital landscape – fascinating yet sometimes ridiculous."

“It’s almost a defiant word when it comes to AI. When it comes to replacing human creativity, sometimes AI actually doesn’t seem so intelligent,” Barlow commented.

Historical Roots and Modern Applications

Originally coined in the 1700s as a term for "soft mud," "slop" has evolved over centuries. Today, it encapsulates the notion of digital content churned out in massive quantities by AI, often lacking in quality. Think absurd videos, bizarre ads, and fake news – the kind that’s become all too familiar in our social media feeds.

AI tools like Sora have demonstrated remarkable capabilities in generating photo-realistic clips from mere text prompts. However, this influx of AI content has sparked concerns around misinformation, deepfakes, and copyright issues. Notably, even political figures have dipped into this realm. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stirred controversy with a manipulated image, transforming a beloved children's character into a fighter to defend military actions – a move that raised eyebrows and questions.

The Cultural Impact and Merriam-Webster's Role

The word "slop" conjures images of mud-caked farm scenes or questionable stews, mirroring the mixed reactions it evokes. Yet, Barlow sees a silver lining – the increased awareness among people about the nature of digital content. "They want things that are real, they want things that are genuine," he noted, underlining a collective yearning for authenticity amidst the noise.

Merriam-Webster’s editorial team meticulously selects the word of the year by analyzing search data and usage patterns. Each year, they aim to reflect the zeitgeist, acting as a "mirror for people," according to Barlow. Past selections range from "polarization" in 2024 to "authentic" in 2023, mapping the linguistic journey through recent history.

Alongside "slop," the dictionary highlighted other notable words for 2025, each capturing unique facets of modern life. From the enigmatic "6-7," a viral cryptic term, to "performative," which critiques hollow displays of virtue, these words paint a vivid picture of our cultural landscape.

Word Trends and Their Significance

Merriam-Webster's list also included terms like "gerrymander," reflecting political maneuverings, and "touch grass," urging a return to tangible experiences beyond the digital realm. The inclusion of "Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg," known locally as Webster Lake, adds a playful note to the list, highlighting the quirky side of language in the digital age.

With each passing year, the dictionary continues to chronicle the ebb and flow of language, offering a lens through which we can view our evolving world. In 2025, "slop" stands out as a beacon of digital transformation, encapsulating the challenges and curiosities of our time.