In a move that drew headlines across technology and language circles, Merriam‑Webster announced that the word “slop” would be its 2025 word of the year.
What “Slop” Means Today
Originally a 1700s term for soft mud, “slop” has long been used to describe something of little value. The dictionary’s definition has evolved to include “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.”
The Choice Behind the Word
Merriam‑Webster’s editors sift through search data and usage trends to pick a single word that captures the spirit of a year. “We like to think that we are a mirror for people,” president Greg Barlow told The Associated Press.
Barlow on the Rise of “Slop”
“It’s such an illustrative word,” Barlow said. “It’s part of a transformative technology, AI, and it’s something that people have found fascinating, annoying and a little bit ridiculous.”
Why AI Makes “Slop” Relevant
AI video generators such as Sora can produce realistic clips from text prompts in seconds. Yet the same tools can generate a flood of low‑quality images that spread misinformation, deepfakes, and copyright violations.
High‑Profile Examples
Last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a manipulated image of a beloved cartoon turtle turned grenade‑wielding fighter to defend U.S. military actions in Venezuela. The cartoon, originally from the Canadian show “Franklin,” was repurposed as a tool to promote violence.
Public Reaction and Search Spikes
The word “slop” has seen a sharp rise in searches, reflecting a growing awareness of fake or shoddy content online. “They want things that are real, they want things that are genuine,” Barlow added.
Other Words That Contemplated the Year
Merriam‑Webster also considered several other terms that captured 2025’s digital culture.
6‑7
The viral term exploded in popularity over the summer, driven by a rapper’s 2024 song. “It’s self‑referential,” Barlow said.
Performative
“Performative” describes a disingenuous person who pretends to like things women enjoy to gain trust.
Gerrymander
The term refers to partisan redistricting; President Trump urged map changes before the 2026 midterms.
Touch Grass
This phrase means to engage in real‑world activities rather than online ones. It was a serious contender for the word of the year.
Conclave
A conclave is the papal election process. It became event‑specific when Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, was elected in May 2025.
Tariffs
The word entered English centuries ago and now refers to government duties on imported goods. Trump’s tariffs have sparked trade wars and account for less than 4% of federal revenue.
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg
The lake’s name, also known as Webster Lake, surprised users when it appeared in Merriam‑Webster’s top look‑ups.
The 2025 Dictionary Edition
A fresh edition released last month added over 5,000 new words, a rare revision that reimagines one of the dictionary’s most popular editions.
Words of the Year Over a Decade
- 2024: polarization
- 2023: authentic
- 2022: gaslighting
- 2021: vaccine
- 2020: pandemic
- 2019: they
- 2018: justice
- 2017: feminism
- 2016: surreal
- 2015: ism
Key Takeaways
- “Slop” captures the surge of low‑quality AI content.
- Merriam‑Webster’s selection reflects public concern over misinformation.
- Several other terms, from “6‑7” to “conclave,” illustrate 2025’s cultural moments.
The choice of “slop” as 2025’s word of the year underscores a broader conversation about authenticity, technology, and the ways we consume digital media.
Hi, I’m Cameron R. Hayes, the journalist, editor, and creator behind NewsOfFortWorth.com. I built this platform with a simple purpose — to deliver fast, clear, and trustworthy news that keeps Fort Worth informed and connected.
I’ve spent more than five years working in digital media, reporting on breaking news, local government, public safety, business growth, community events, and the real stories that shape life in Fort Worth. My goal has always been the same: to provide accurate, community-focused reporting that people can rely on every day.
