The Rise of 'Slop': Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of the Year

Mon Dec 15 2025 12:00:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The term 'slop' has gained recognition as the word of the year by Merriam-Webster, reflecting concerns about low-quality, AI-generated digital content.

Merriam-Webster has chosen 'slop' as its word of the year for 2025, signifying a growing awareness among individuals about poor-quality digital content produced by AI. The term, which historically referred to something of little value, now encapsulates the flood of absurd and misleading materials prevalent in today's online landscape. The selection highlights the public's desire for authenticity amid rampant misinformation and AI misuse.

'Slop' has been named Merriam-Webster's word of the year for 2025, reflecting the impact of generative artificial intelligence on digital content. According to the dictionary’s president, Greg Barlow, the term encapsulates the fascination, annoyance, and slight absurdity people feel towards AI-created materials. Originally describing soft mud, 'slop' now signifies digital content considered low in quality, including absurd videos and fake news that appear legitimate.

The growing use of AI to produce misleading content has raised concerns over misinformation, especially as these tools become more accessible. Notably, figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have utilized AI-generated images for political purposes, blurring the lines of authenticity.

Barlow remarked that the rise of interest in 'slop' indicates a public yearning for genuine content, embodying a rebellion against the artificial overshadowing human creativity. Merriam-Webster's editorial team selects the word based on search trends and usage to reflect societal inclinations. Previous words of the year have included 'polarization' and 'authentic,' illustrating evolving public consciousness towards language amid transformative events.