“Merriam-Webster Declares ‘Slop’ as 2025 Word of the Year”

The word “slop” has been named the 2025 Word of the Year by Merriam-Webster, highlighting the growing prevalence of low-quality digital content online. This decision stems from the word’s association with the rise of generative artificial intelligence and its impact on the creation of digital media. In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Greg Barlow, president of Merriam-Webster, described “slop” as a term that encapsulates the fascination and frustration surrounding AI-generated content, which many find both amusing and alarming.

Originally used in the 1700s to refer to soft mud, the term has evolved to signify “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity.” Barlow explained that this includes a wide range of outputs, from absurd videos and bizarre advertising images to misleading propaganda and AI-generated books. The rapid advancement of AI technologies, such as video generators like Sora, has enabled the swift creation of realistic clips from simple text prompts. However, the proliferation of such content has raised significant concerns about misinformation, deepfakes, and copyright issues.

Concerns Over AI-Generated Content

The accessibility of AI tools has led to their use in various contexts, including by political figures. For instance, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash after sharing a manipulated image to justify U.S. military actions in Venezuela. The image depicted a beloved cartoon character as a fighter, which angered many social media users and was condemned by the publisher of the original content.

In another incident, a TikTok account that showcased AI-generated explosions purportedly set in Ukraine was removed after inquiries by CBC News. These examples illustrate how “AI slop” can distort public perception and contribute to the spread of misinformation. Despite the negative connotations associated with the term, Barlow expressed hope that the awareness surrounding it indicates a desire for authenticity in media.

Reflecting Societal Trends

The selection of “slop” as the Word of the Year aligns with Merriam-Webster’s annual tradition of identifying a word that encapsulates significant trends and events. Barlow noted that the spike in searches for “slop” suggests a growing public consciousness regarding the quality of information consumed. “People are yearning for things that are real and genuine,” he stated, emphasizing that the term serves as a form of resistance against the potential replacement of human creativity by artificial intelligence.

Merriam-Webster has chosen a Word of the Year since 2003, utilizing search data and usage trends to identify the most relevant term. Last year, the dictionary selected “polarization,” reflecting the political climate following the U.S. presidential election. The process involves rigorous analysis to determine which word best represents the cultural and societal shifts of the year.

In addition to “slop,” other frequently searched terms in 2025 included “performative,” “gerrymander,” and the viral phrase “6-7.” The latter gained traction over the summer, rooted in a song by rapper Skrilla. Merriam-Webster also highlighted the increasing searches for “gerrymander,” especially as both major parties in the U.S. sought to redraw voting districts for political advantage.

The choice of “slop” as the Word of the Year underscores a broader dialogue about the implications of AI in digital media, reflecting both societal anxieties and aspirations for more meaningful content. As discussions about the role of technology in creative processes continue, the term serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment in an age of rapid information exchange.