Merriam-Webster names ‘slop’ the word of the year

In a striking acknowledgment of the digital landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, Merriam-Webster has unveiled 'slop' as its word of the year for 2025. The dictionary characterizes 'slop' as 'digital content of low quality, typically produced in large quantities through artificial intelligence.' This term captures the essence of today's media environment, where low-quality content floods social media platforms. Merriam-Webster's president, Greg Barlow, described 'slop' as evocative of undesirable substances like slime and sludge, emphasizing its ability to convey a tone that is both mocking and less fearful in the face of AI advancements. "It’s such an illustrative word," Barlow stated in an interview with The Associated Press, noting the fascination and annoyance many feel towards AI's pervasive influence. The term 'slop' has gained traction this year, as media analysts and commentators have sought to articulate the transformative effects of AI tools like OpenAI’s Sora and Google Gemini’s Veo. These cutting-edge platforms have ushered in an era where AI-generated content spans books, podcasts, pop songs, and even full-length films. A recent study indicated that approximately 75% of all new online content produced last month involved some form of AI technology. This surge in AI-generated material has led to the emergence of what is being referred to as a 'slop economy,' where vast amounts of low-quality content are generated for the sake of attracting advertising revenue. Critics argue that this trend exacerbates divisions within digital communities, creating a disparity between consumers who can afford premium content and those relegated to a diet of inferior information. Interestingly, the term 'slop' is not limited to traditional media discussions. Its implications stretch across various sectors, including cybersecurity reports, legal documentation, and even academic essays, highlighting the far-reaching impact of AI. As technology continues to evolve, it is clear that terms associated with it, like 'slop,' are becoming increasingly relevant. This year, other dictionaries have also recognized tech-related terms, with Macquarie Dictionary selecting 'AI slop' as its word of the year, while Oxford Dictionary opted for 'ragebait' and Collins Dictionary chose 'vibe coding.'