Merriam-Webster Announces “Slop” as the 2025 Word of the Year
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This section is Partnership Content suppliedThe content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire The definition of "slop" from Merriam-Webster.com. GNWArticle contentSpringfield, MA, Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today Merriam-Webster announced the 2025 Word of the Year: slop.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentSlop is defined as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.”Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentThroughout 2025, lookup volume of slop on Merriam-Webster.com reflected a flood of slop into everyday life, including absurd videos, off-kilter advertising images, cheesy propaganda, fake news that looks pretty real… and lots of talking cats.Article contentArticle content“All that stuff was dumped on our screens,” says Greg Barlow, President of Merriam-Webster, “and the Word of the Year captured it in just four letters. The English language came through again.”Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentIn 2025, amid all the talk about AI threats, slop set a tone that’s less fearful, more mocking. According to Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster Editor at Large, “it’s almost like the word sends a little message to AI: when it comes to replacing human creativity, sometimes you don’t seem too superintelligent. “Article contentOther words in Merriam-Webster’s lookup data revealed experiences and ideas that shaped the year:Article contentGerrymander – As both political parties created odd-looking districts that evoke the “salamander” in this word’s origins.Performative – For a wide range of attention-getting behavior involving activism, patriotism, matcha, sensitive men, and more.Touch grass – Often used insultingly, but also as an aspiration for people wanting to break their digital addiction.Six seven – The hit Gen Alpha slang term of 2025. Meaning nothing in particular, and sometimes repeated in a sing-song voice, it tended to delight kids and frustrate almost everyone else (which is one reason it delighted kids).Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg – Encountered, for those who dared, in advanced modes of a hit spelling game on Roblox.Article contentArticle content“In a world full of clutter and noise,” says Barlow, “it’s gratifying that people keep turning to our dictionary for accurate information, carefully researched and crafted by humans – the exact opposite of slop.”Article contentGet more detail on all the 2025 Words of the YearArticle contentAbout Merriam-Webster Inc.For over 180 years, Merriam-Webster has been America’s leading provider of language information. Each month, our award-winning websites, apps, and social media channels offer guidance to tens of millions of visitors. In print, our publications include Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate® Dictionary (among the best-selling books in American history) and books for students of all ages and abilities. All Merriam-Webster products and services are backed by the largest team of dictionary editors and writers in America.Article contentFor more information, visit Merriam-Webster.com, and follow @MerriamWebster on X, Facebook, and Instagram.Article contentAttachmentArticle contentMerriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of the YearArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentMeghan Lunghi Merriam-Webster Inc. mlunghi@m-w.com Article contentTrending 'Why let one person in the States change your life?' 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For Canadian snowbirds, the stay or go dilemma gets complicated Real Estate Charles St-Arnaud: Canada must stop relying on consumers and focus on production to boost the economy Economy Canada's Air Force buys six Bombardier jets for $753 million News Canada to start building multi-billion dollar high-speed rail system by 2030 Rail What's next for interest rates after Bank of Canada holds fire? FP Video News