Merriam-Webster has named “Slop” as its 2025 Word of the Year, giving us a sobering glimpse into the evolution of language in the age of artificial intelligence. The word, historically used to describe liquid waste or unappetizing mixtures, has taken on a whole new meaning in the digital era, where it now refers to large-scale, AI-generated content that may be accurate but lacks depth and originality.
What Is ‘Slop’ in the Digital Context?
The term “slop” has transitioned from its traditional definition to describe a troubling trend in online writing: the proliferation of mass-produced, AI-generated materials. These include articles, social media posts, and other digital creations that seem polished but feel hollow. While this content may be grammatically correct and tonally neutral, it often repeats ideas, explains concepts excessively, and lacks the unique touch given by human creativity.
A few defining traits of AI-generated content—or “slop”—are:
- Scalability: Produced in high quantity and at rapid speeds.
- Repetitiveness: Overused phrases and predictable structures.
- Surface-level quality: Grammatically accurate but lacking insight or voice.
The Shift to Content Abundance
This rise in “slop” reflects a broader shift in the digital landscape—from a time of content scarcity to one of overwhelming abundance. Automation has made it easier than ever to publish material, but critics argue this often comes at the expense of originality. As a result, readers are increasingly encountering algorithm-driven sameness that diminishes the value of written content.
While some believe this automation lowers barriers to entry and democratizes content creation, others worry it trains AI tools to replicate existing styles in perpetuity, reinforcing a stale cycle.
Reader Fatigue & Awareness
Interestingly, Merriam-Webster’s choice of “slop” highlights a growing awareness of this phenomenon. Readers can increasingly identify AI-written material, even if they continue to interact with it. This awareness may signal a demand for more meaningful, human-centric writing in the future.
Countering the ‘Slop’ Trend
As the content landscape evolves, creators, brands, and readers alike must find ways to counteract this trend. Choosing quality over quantity and prioritizing thoughtful, purposeful writing may help rebuild trust in digital content.
For individuals looking to differentiate their writing amidst this deluge of “slop,” exploring tools that enhance human creativity can make a difference. For example, the Grammarly Premium tool assists in improving tone, clarity, and emotional resonance while retaining human authenticity. This can help writers ensure their work stands out in an increasingly saturated marketplace.
While AI technology has revolutionized how we create and consume content, its impact—reflected in Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of the Year—raises essential questions about authenticity, innovation, and the role of the human touch in digital media.
