Creepy, quirky, and clearly fabricated content is commonly referred to as “slop.” The term gained popularity online due to the widespread use of generative artificial intelligence, leading to its selection as Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2025.
Merriam-Webster’s president, Greg Barlow, described the term as highly representative in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press before the official announcement. He emphasized the word’s association with AI, which has captivated, irritated, and amused people.
Originally denoting soft mud in the 1700s, “slop” has evolved to signify something of minimal worth. Today, it encompasses “digital content of low quality produced in large quantities through artificial intelligence,” as explained by Barlow.
The term encompasses a variety of content, including absurd videos, bizarre advertising visuals, manipulative propaganda, authentic-looking fake news, and poorly written AI-generated books. The rise of AI video generators like Sora has impressed many with their ability to swiftly create realistic videos from text prompts. However, the proliferation of these videos on social media, particularly those depicting celebrities and deceased public figures, has raised concerns about misinformation, deepfakes, and copyright issues.
Although such content has been present online for some time, its accessibility has increased, leading to political figures, such as the Pentagon chief, utilizing it for political purposes. Recently, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash for posting a doctored image of a popular cartoon character as a militant figure to justify U.S. military actions in Venezuela.
Despite evoking unease, Barlow sees “slop” as a term that also instills hope. The heightened interest in the word reflects a growing awareness among people regarding fake or substandard content, signaling a preference for authenticity and quality.
Merriam-Webster annually selects a word that encapsulates the prevailing trends and sentiments. Last year, amid the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, “polarization” was chosen. The selection process involves analyzing search trends and usage data to pinpoint the word that best captures the spirit of the year.
In addition to “slop,” other frequently searched words in 2025 included “performative,” “gerrymander,” and the enigmatic “6-7.” The latter, popularized during the summer, originates from a 2024 song by rapper Skrilla, embodying a trend rather than a defining term.
Furthermore, searches for “gerrymander” surged as political parties sought to redraw electoral boundaries for their advantage. The inclusion of words like “tariffs,” “touch grass,” “conclave,” and the tongue-twisting name of a Massachusetts lake showcases the linguistic diversity of the year.
Merriam-Webster’s word of the year reflects not just language trends but also societal shifts and concerns, serving as a mirror to the evolving interests and values of the public.