And Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word Of The Year Is Utter...
Merriam-Webster has named 'slop' as its 2025 Word of the Year, reflecting societal concerns over the proliferation of low-quality digital content generated by artificial intelligence. Originally meaning soft mud in the 1700s, the term has evolved to describe absurd, fake, or misleading digital creations, which have surged in popularity due to advancements in AI technology. The widespread use of such content raises issues of misinformation and copyright, prompting a cultural push for authenticity and genuine creativity. The dictionary's choice highlights the public’s growing awareness of and desire for high-quality, real content amidst an era dominated by digital noise. Looking ahead, the emphasis on 'slop' indicates a potential shift in how society interacts with and values digital media.
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'Slop' reflects a growing public frustration with digital content quality, especially as AI-generated media floods social platforms. Merriam-Webster's president, Greg Barlow, noted that the term symbolizes both fascination and annoyance with this transformative technology.
AI tools have become more accessible, enabling the rapid creation of realistic videos and images, which raises concerns about misinformation and deepfakes. High-profile instances, such as manipulated images used for political messaging, demonstrate the potential dangers of such content.
The selection process for the Word of the Year includes analyzing search data and trends to identify terms that resonate with the public. This year, 'slop' stood out as it aligns with a societal desire for authenticity amid a backdrop of increasing digital deception.
In addition to 'slop', other notable words that gained traction in 2025 included 'performative', referencing insincere behaviors in social interactions, and 'touch grass', an internet phrase encouraging real-world engagement over digital consumption.
Merriam-Webster has been selecting a Word of the Year since 2003, with past selections reflecting significant cultural or political moments. The word 'polarization' was chosen in 2024, capturing the national mood following the presidential election.