Merriam-Webster’s 2025 word of the year takes aim at poor AI content

In a bold move, Merriam-Webster has selected 'slop' as the word of the year for 2025, a term that encapsulates the growing concern over the prevalence of low-quality digital content. Defined by the dictionary as 'digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence,' the choice reflects a critical commentary on the state of online material today. The dictionary cites various examples of slop, including absurd videos, animated cats, and AI-generated literature, underscoring the mixed reactions toward such content. This decision aligns with a broader trend among dictionaries to highlight words that resonate with our evolving relationship with technology and AI. Other recent selections have included 'vibe coding' by Collins, 'parasocial' by Cambridge, and 'rage bait' by Oxford, all of which mirror contemporary societal concerns regarding technology's influence. Historically, 'slop' has undergone a transformation since its first recorded use in the 1700s, where it referred to 'soft mud.' By the 1800s, the term evolved to denote 'food waste,' eventually generalizing to mean 'rubbish' or 'a product of little or no value.' Merriam-Webster's announcement reflects the divisive nature of modern slop, noting that while some find it frustrating, others engage with it eagerly. The dictionary states, 'The word sends a little message to AI: when it comes to replacing human creativity, sometimes you don’t seem too superintelligent.' Among the other contenders for the word of the year were 'gerrymander,' referring to the strategic redistricting that emerged in U.S. politics this year, and 'touch grass,' which advocates for real-world interactions over virtual ones, particularly as more individuals seek to decrease their screen time. Additionally, the term 'performative' was considered, defined as actions taken primarily for show, often to enhance one's image. Merriam-Webster notes that while the term can apply broadly, it frequently describes behaviors associated with men attempting to impress women. In recent years, the dictionary's previous selections have reflected societal trends, with 'polarization' chosen in 2022 and 'authentic' in 2023, both mirroring significant cultural discussions related to politics and social media.