tech
December 15, 2025
Merriam-Webster names 'slop' the word of the year
AI-generated content has dominated the internet over the past year, and America's dictionary took note.
TL;DR
- Merriam-Webster declared "slop" its 2025 word of the year.
- "Slop" is defined as low-quality digital content often produced by AI in large quantities.
- The word is intended to express a mocking tone towards AI anxiety.
- AI-generated content, including books, music, and movies, is transforming the internet.
- A "slop economy" has emerged, leveraging AI content for advertising revenue.
- Critics worry about digital communities becoming polarized between high-quality and "slop" content.
- The term "slop" is also used to describe AI's impact on fields beyond traditional media, such as cybersecurity and legal briefings.
- Other dictionaries have also chosen tech-related terms for their word of the year, including "AI slop" and "ragebait."
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