Merriam-Webster has decided on word meaning 2025 — and that word is “slop.” The dictionary’s creator defines “slop” as “low-quality digital content, usually produced in large quantities using artificial intelligence,” which many people have become familiar with as AI-generated content pervades the Internet.
This year, some of the most popular sites on the internet, including YouTube, Wikipedia, Spotify and Pinterest, have taken steps to fend off the AI infection. But others accept it, as both Meta and OpenAI have created applications dedicated to AI-generated video streams that can be scrolled and shared. Even Disney has struck a deal to bring Sora-generated movies to its streaming platform, while also taking a billion-dollar equity stake in its owner and operator ChatGPT OpenAI.
“Like slime, slime, and mud, slop has the wet sound of something you don’t want to touch,” writes Merriam-Webster. “That word sends the AI a little message: When it comes to replacing human creativity, sometimes it doesn’t seem like you’re very superintelligent.”
Merriam-Webster highlights other words and phrases that were common in 2025 as well, including “touch the grass,” “tariff,” “performative,” and “gerrymander.”