AI WORDS
AI content finally got a label
Merriam-Webster has chosen its word of 2025, and it’s a sharp one.
The dictionary picked “slop,” describing it as low-quality digital content produced in large amounts, often using artificial intelligence.
The term reflects how familiar people have become with AI-generated material flooding the internet.
Over the past year, major platforms responded in different ways.
YouTube, Wikipedia, Spotify, and Pinterest introduced rules to limit low-quality AI content.
Others moved in the opposite direction.
Meta and OpenAI launched apps focused on scrolling through AI-generated videos, while Disney partnered with OpenAI to bring Sora-made videos to its streaming service, alongside a billion-dollar equity investment.
At a glance:
“Slop” reflects growing frustration with AI-generated content
Platforms are split between limiting AI output and promoting it
New language is forming around how people see AI’s role in culture
Scale broke the feed
Merriam-Webster says the word choice is deliberate.
“Slop” sits alongside words like slime and sludge, suggesting something messy and unwanted, and hinting at doubts around AI replacing human creativity.
The dictionary also highlighted other terms that stood out in 2025, including “touch grass,” “tariff,” “performative,” and “gerrymander.”
I won’t lie, Sora and Veo have ruined my YouTube Shorts feed. - MV