tech
Merriam-Webster crowns “slop” word of the year as AI content floods Internet
Dictionary codifies the term that took hold in 2024 for low-quality AI-generated content.
TL;DR
- Merriam-Webster named "slop" its 2025 Word of the Year.
- The term "slop" now defines low-quality digital content often produced in quantity by AI.
- The selection highlights the growing awareness of AI-generated fake or shoddy content online.
- Other dictionaries have also recognized AI's linguistic impact with words like "hallucinate" and "rage bait."
- The historical meaning of "slop" relates to waste and products of little value.
- Independent researcher Simon Willison helped document the rise of "AI slop" in 2024.
- The term carries a dismissive and mocking tone towards AI's ability to replace human creativity.
- Examples of "slop" include AI-generated videos, propaganda, fake news, and AI-written books.
- Distinctions in defining "slop" exist, with some arguing it depends on intention and whether AI augments or merely replaces human effort.
- Content mindlessly generated and thrust upon unwilling recipients is considered "slop."